England defender Kyle Walker has called time on his outstanding 14-year international career ahead of the FIFA World Cup 2026™. The 35-year-old will go down in history as one of the Three Lions’ greatest right-backs.
After making his senior debut in 2011, Walker made 96 appearances for England and competed in five major tournaments, including two World Cups. His last appearance was the 3-1 friendly defeat to Senegal in June 2025.
“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.”
Walker was a key part of the England teams who reached the finals of the UEFA EURO in 2021 and 2024, as well as the semi-finals at Russia 2018, the country’s best performance at the global showpiece since Italia 1990. He is still competing at the club level for Premier League side Burnley.
“An international career spanning 14 years and five major tournament is testament to Kyle’s dedication. He can look back on his time with the Three Lions with great pride,” England coach Thomas Tuchel said.
Trent Alexander-Arnold, Reece James, Rico Lewis, Tino Livramento and Djed Spence are among the players competing for England’s right-back slot in North America. Tuchel’s men have been drawn in Group L alongside Croatia, Ghana and Panama.
