Kyle Walker has announced his England retirement just months before the World Cup, admitting it was time “to step away for the next generation”.
Walker, 35, made 96 caps for the Three Lions with his debut against Spain way back in 2011, aged just 21.
The defender featured in 24 matches across five major tournaments between Euro 2016 and Euro 2024.
That included back-to-back Euros finals as England lost to Italy and then Spain, and starring in a back three during Gareth Southgate’s side’s run to the World Cup semi-finals in Russia eight years ago.
Walker, whose only senior international goal came against Ukraine in 2023, has not played for his country since a shock 3-1 friendly defeat to Senegal last June.
He retires 11th on the all-time England caps list, agonisingly four short of joining the illustrious century club.
Announcing his news, the six-time Premier League winner said: “Playing for England has always been the greatest honour of my career.
“Every time I pulled on the shirt it meant a huge amount to me and my family.
“After a lot of thought, this feels like the right moment to step away and allow the next generation of players to come through.
“I leave incredibly proud of the journey and grateful to every manager, teammate, and supporter who has been part of it.
“Representing your country is the biggest thing you can do in football, and those memories with England will stay with me forever.”
Wife Annie Kilner added: “Kyle has always taken so much pride in playing for England, and it has meant the world to him.
“As a family, we have shared so many special moments watching him represent his country, and our four boys have grown up seeing how much the England shirt means to their dad.
“International football asks a lot of players and their families, but we could not be prouder of everything he has achieved and the career he has had with England.”
