Burnley defender Kyle Walker has announced his decision to retire from international football, ruling him out of England’s squad for the upcoming World Cup.
Walker made his full debut for the Three Lions under Fabio Capello in 2009, coming on as a substitute during a 1-0 win over Spain in a friendly match at Wembley.
The 35-year-old went on to make 96 appearances in total and also represented England at five major tournaments.
His first was at the 2016 European Championships, before also featuring at two more Euro tournaments, in 2020 and 2024 where he finished runners-up on both times.
“I am sad to be making this decision, but I’m also very proud of what I’ve achieved with England,” Walker 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”, the Burnley defender added.
Walker also played at two FIFA World Cup tournaments, reaching the semifinals with England at the 2018 edition in Russia.
However, he last featured for the Three Lions in a 3-1 defeat to African champions Senegal in June 2025.
“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”, Walker continued.
Walker has now made himself unavailable for selection for the World Cup after his retirement and will shift his attention to helping Burnley survive relegation in the Premier League.
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