Kyle Walker: Burnley defender retires from international football after participating in 96 international matches with the England national team

Experienced England defender Kyle Walker has announced his retirement from international football with immediate effect.

The 35-year-old Burnley full-back has decided to call time on his career after earning 96 caps for the Three Lions and playing in five major tournaments.

Walker, who made the last of those caps in a friendly against Senegal at the City Ground in June 2025, said it had been a “whirlwind of a journey” but “the book is closed now”.

“I am sad to make this decision, but I am also very proud of what I have achieved with England,” he said.

“Today is the time coming to an end. It’s good for me to finish my career on the international stage a little bit.”

Walker made his England debut against Spain in November 2011, and has continued to establish himself as a regular for the Three Lions.

The former Sheffield United, Tottenham and Manchester City defender played with the England national team in the 2018 and 2022 World Cup finals and the 2016, 2021 and 2024 European Championships.

He said winning so many caps is a “great honour” and he is “very proud” and hopes to have played his part in leaving a positive legacy in how the national team is viewed.

“We tried to change the way people look at English football,” added Walker, who scored his only international goal against Ukraine in September 2023.

“We’ve tried to change the way the media looks at football and we’ve tried to relieve some of the pressure you feel playing in England.

“Of course, I think there has to be some pressure for your country, but we all have to bear that because we are the chosen ones who are lucky enough to wear this shirt and represent our country.”