Burnley man announces England international retirement after 96 caps
Burnley’s Kyle Walker has announced he’s retired from international football with England.
The 35-year-old bows out on 96 caps, four short of a century of appearances for the Three Lions.
The right-back made his England debut in 2011 against Spain, ironically coming on as a substitute to replace his now Burnley boss Scott Parker.
He went on to represent his country at five major tournaments and was a key part of both squads that reached the final of back-to-back European Championships under Gareth Southgate.
The Clarets defender hasn’t featured though since last summer, when he struggled in a friendly against Senegal, and has since found himself out of Thomas Tuchel’s plans.
“After more than a decade representing my country, I have decided to retire from international football,” he wrote.
“Playing for England has always been the biggest honour of my career and something I will always be proud of.
“Thank you to every teammate, coach, manager, the 12th man, and everyone behind the scenes who has been part of the journey. Every roar from the fans pushed the team along and I'm looking forward to joining them to support the lads in the World Cup.
“The memories in an England shirt will stay with me forever.
“I also want to thank my family for their support every step of the way. They have made this journey even more special and I will always be grateful to have shared it with them.”
Walker, a summer signing for Burnley from Manchester City, has played in 27 or their 29 league games this season, but was recently dropped for the Brentford fixture following a run of poor form.
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The announcement comes on the eve of Tuchel’s upcoming squad announcement for England’s March friendlies against Uruguay and Japan.
“There’s so much more to achieve. 100 caps is definitely one, I’m only four caps off,” he told Sky Sports.
“Honestly, I’m quite content now with 96. Being left out of the last squad, if it was 96 and out it’s kind of like: ‘okay, I gave it a good bash, I gave it all I could’.
“Having retired after the Euros [in 2021] to coming back and playing in another two tournaments, I know I gave it a good go.
“I’ve spoken to him [Tuchel]. He wanted to sign me for Bayern Munich, so I’d like to think we’ve got a great relationship. I respect him highly as a manager for what he’s achieved.
“He just said to me that the door is not closed. Until the door is closed, I will try my hardest to get these four caps over the line and see where I go after that.
“Ashley Cole is on 107. That’s in the distance, the four is something I want to get to for something personal for myself, just so I can say I’m the second black player to get 100 caps. The little gold England cap would be pretty special too.”
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