Veteran defender Kyle Walker has officially announced his retirement from international football, after 15 years representing his country, bringing an end to a distinguished career with the England national team.

The 35-year-old, who currently plays for Burnley after previously starring for Manchester City and Tottenham Hotspur, leaves the international stage with 96 caps. During that time, Walker became a cornerstone of England’s defence and was part of the generation that helped restore the team’s competitiveness on the international stage.

The decision was confirmed on Tuesday, March 10, 2026, by the Football Association, with Walker reflecting on the pride he felt representing his country across several major tournaments.

“I am sad to be making this decision, but I’m also very proud of what I’ve achieved with England. To represent my country at five major tournaments… 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.”

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Walker first pulled on the England shirt in November 2011, making his debut in a 1–0 victory over the Spain national team. Over the years he developed into one of the squad’s most reliable and experienced players, representing England at two FIFA World Cups and three UEFA European Championships.

Reflecting further on his journey, he said:

“To represent your country once, let alone 96 times, I’m extremely proud of that. To be among the first team to represent England in a major final since 1966, I’m really proud to say that I was a part of that. 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 Tuchel.”

Walker’s final appearance for England came against the Senegal national team in 2025. A tribute is expected to be organised at a future fixture to honour his contributions to the national team.

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