Kyle Walker announces his international retirement

The Sheffield-born defender is one of our nation’s most-decorated players at both international and club level, having featured for the Three Lions in major competition finals at both UEFA EURO 2021 and 2024, as well as the FIFA World Cup semi-final in 2018.

And the 35 year old has now decided to call time on his career with England, with his final appearance coming in the game against Senegal in Nottingham last summer.

“I am sad to be making this decision, but I’m also very proud of what I’ve achieved with England,” said Walker, who currently plays for Burnley following a glittering domestic career to date with Manchester City, Tottenham Hotspur and his boyhood club Sheffield United.

“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.

“Thank you to all of my team mates, past and present, and I wish everyone all the best.

“And to the fans, thank you for the support over the years. Keep supporting the lads, they need you guys, they need you behind them to make sure that they can do this country proud.

“We’re all going to be behind them and hopefully I can now be a fan watching them go and achieve something big at this World Cup.

“And last but certainly not least, thank you to my family.

“Thank you for putting up with all of the summers being away, and for all the times that I’ve obviously gone and followed my dream in representing my country.

“The book is now closed and it’s been a whirlwind of a journey, but one that I’ve really, really enjoyed.”