Kyle Walker retires from international football

Kyle Walker has announced his retirement from international football, 15 years on from his senior debut for England .

After 96 caps, making him the tenth highest capped England player in history, the former Manchester City and Tottenham defender has ended his career with the Three Lions .

Walker made his national team debut in 2011 against Spain and since then has featured at two World Cups (2018 and 2022) and three European Championship’s (2016, 2020 and 2024).

Walker reflected on his international career and his decision to retire.

“I am sad to be making this decision, but I’m also very proud of what I’ve achieved with England ,” he said.

“To represent my country at five major tournaments, to get to the finals that we’ve reached and to be surrounded by this England team, especially the players and the managers that I’ve had the privilege of working under, has been a great honour.

“But today is the time that comes to an end. It’s good for me to have a little bit of closure to my career on the international stage.

“I would just like to say thank you from the bottom of my heart to the managers that I’ve worked under, from Fabio Capello, to Roy Hodgson, to Lee Carsley, to Gareth Southgate and to Thomas, for making a dream become reality.

“Thank you to all of my team mates, past and present, and I wish everyone all the best.

“And to the fans, thank you for the support over the years. Keep supporting the lads, they need you guys, they need you behind them to make sure that they can do this country proud.

“We’re all going to be behind them and hopefully I can now be a fan watching them go and achieve something big at this World Cup. And last but certainly not least, thank you to my family.

“Thank you for putting up with all of the summers being away, and for all the times that I’ve obviously gone and followed my dream in representing my country.

“The book is now closed and it’s been a whirlwind of a journey, but one that I’ve really, really enjoyed.”

Current England boss Thomas Tuchel gave Walker his last England cap against Senegal last summer and was full of praise for the defender.

“I know all England fans will join me in congratulating Kyle on an incredible international career,” Tuchel said. “Although I only worked with him for a short period of time, I was always aware that he was one of England’s greats who fully embraced the highest honour of representing his country.

“An international career spanning 14 years and five major tournament is testament to Kyle’s dedication. He can look back on his time with the Three Lions with great pride.”