Kyle Walker brings end to England ‘dream’ after announcing international retirement | OneFootball

Kyle Walker has announced his international retirement after a career in which he became England’s most capped right-back and went to five major tournaments.

The Burnley defender is in a select group of players who started two finals for England, in Euro 2020 and Euro 2024, and won 96 caps between his debut in 2011 and his final appearance last June.

However, he brought his England career to a close after losing his place in the squad this season, ending his chances of going to this summer’s World Cup in the United States and his ambition of reaching 100 caps.

Walker said playing for his country was “the biggest honour” of his career, while England manager Thomas Tuchel hailed him as one of the greats.

"It's the memories," Walker said. "You don't dream of playing for England. You can dream of playing for your boyhood club, Sheffield United, and thinking maybe that's possible.

"You can dream of winning the Premier League, it's possible. But to play for your country, there aren't many people who get to do that.

"It comes with great pride that I'm announcing my international retirement. Some of you will be buzzing, some might be a little bit sad.

"I'd just like to say thank you. The managers I've worked under, from [Fabio] Capello to [Roy] Hodgson to [Lee] Carsley, to [Gareth] Southgate to Thomas, I'd like to say thank you from the bottom of my heart for how you've made a dream become reality.

Walker played in two finals for England (The FA via Getty Images)

"Thank you to teammates past and present, and I wish everyone all the best. To the fans, keep supporting the lads - they need you behind them to make sure they can do this country proud. Hopefully, I can now be a fan watching them achieve something big at this World Cup."

Walker, who skippered England for the first time in 2023 and was vice-captain during Euro 2024, was named in the team of the tournament for each of the last two European Championships.

Tuchel gave him an international recall before omitting him from the squad in autumn and the German said: “l know all England fans will join me in congratulating Kyle on an incredible international career. Although I only worked with him for a short period of time, I was always aware that he was one of England’s greats who fully embraced the highest honour of representing his country.

“An international career spanning 14 years and five major tournaments is a testament to Kyle’s dedication. He can look back on his time with the Three Lions with great pride.”