Kyle Walker Embraces Retirement from International Football, Aiming for Extended Club Career
Former England defender Kyle Walker expressed his contentment with his decision to retire from international football, hoping this choice will allow him to extend his club career, akin to that of his former teammate James Milner.
The Burnley right-back, who celebrated his 36th birthday in May, announced his retirement from the Three Lions in March after a distinguished career that included 96 caps and participation in five major tournaments.
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Walker played crucial roles in both the European Championship final in 2021 and 2024, as well as the semi-finals of the 2018 World Cup.
This summer, England finished in third place at the tournament in North America, although injuries to Reece James and Tino Livramento necessitated midfielder Declan Rice stepping in as an emergency right-back, with central defenders Ezri Konsa and Jarell Quansah also filling in.
When asked if he regretted retiring too early after being omitted from squads by coach Thomas Tuchel, Walker replied, “no, definitely not.”
“Decisions in life you stand on what you do,” he continued. “I made that decision, and it was a collaborative decision with my family. They have been through everything with me in the summers and internationals, so it was not just me making that decision.”
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“It was a tough call, but I feel more at ease with it now. It was something I wanted to do and felt was right. I spent many years with England, which I am very grateful for.”
“Considering the way the squad and injuries unfolded, perhaps I might have had a shot, but I couldn’t foresee that. He [Tuchel] could’ve always called me, and I would’ve represented my country, but he chose not to, and that’s how it is. I was not expecting a call since I was retired.”
“There were Reece James, Trent Alexander-Arnold, and Tino Livramento, so I wasn’t leaving anyone out, allowing me to enjoy some family time.”
Kyle Walker won the Premier League six times with Manchester City and the Champions League before joining Burnley at the start of the 2025-26 campaign [Getty Images]
Walker made his comments at the media launch for the English Football League (EFL) season, held at the National Football Museum in Manchester on Wednesday.
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Following relegation from the Premier League, Burnley will kick off their Championship campaign at home against West Ham, another team that dropped a division, on Sunday, 16 August.
Walker participated in 36 of Burnley’s 38 top-flight matches during the 2025-26 season and expressed hope that his decision to step back from international duties would help prolong his club career.
Milner, who won 61 caps for England, retired from international football in 2016 at the age of 30 but continued to play at the top level for another decade, eventually becoming the record holder for the most appearances in the Premier League era, before hanging up his boots aged 40 at the end of last season after a spell at Brighton.
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“I will take it season by season,” Walker noted, having clinched six Premier League titles and a Champions League trophy with Manchester City before joining Burnley in 2025.
“I’m 36 and will be 37 at the end of the season, and I will see how I feel and how my body holds up. I still feel good and believe I am playing at a high level. Looking at someone like James Milner, who retired early from England but went on to have a remarkable career, I hope to follow in his footsteps.”