Walker retires from international football after 96 caps

England defender Kyle Walker has announced his retirement from international football with immediate effect, bringing an end to a distinguished career with the Three Lions.

The 35-year-old Burnley full-back has decided to call time on his England career after earning 96 caps and representing the national team at five major tournaments.

Walker, who won the last of those caps in a friendly against Senegal at City Ground in June 2025, described his international journey as a “whirlwind,” adding that the “book is now closed.”

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

“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.”

Walker made his England debut against Spain national football team in November 2011 and quickly established himself as a regular in the squad.

Walker said representing England nearly a hundred times was a “great honour” that he is “extremely proud of,” expressing hope that the team’s recent generation helped reshape perceptions of the national side.

“We’ve tried to change the way that people look at English football,” Walker added.

“We’ve tried to change the way that the media looks at football and we’ve tried to take a little bit of the pressure off that you feel playing for England.

“Of course, I think there should be some pressure playing for your country, but we should all carry that because we’re the chosen ones who are lucky enough to pull on that shirt and represent our country.”

Walker scored his only international goal against Ukraine in September 2023, bringing the curtain down on an England career that spanned nearly 14 years.