Walker 'at ease' with England retirement decision

Kyle Walker has expressed contentment with his choice to end his international career, stating that the decision was made together with his family and that he now feels more at ease. The Burnley right-back, who turned 36 in May, announced his retirement from the Three Lions in March after a glittering career that brought 96 caps and appearances at five major tournaments.

Walker featured in the European Championship finals of 2021 and 2024, as well as the semi-finals of the 2018 World Cup. England finished third in this summer's tournament in North America, although injuries to Reece James and Tino Livramento forced midfielder Declan Rice to step in as an emergency right-back, with central defenders Ezri Konsa and Jarell Quansah also deputising.

Asked whether he had retired too early after being left out of squads by Thomas Tuchel, Walker replied: "No, definitely not." He added that decisions in life require standing by your choices. "I made that decision and it was a collaborative decision for me and my family. They have been through everything with me in the summers and internationals, so it was not just me, myself and I making that decision."

Walker acknowledged the decision was difficult but said he is now more at ease with it. "It was something I wanted to do and felt it was right. I spent a lot of years with England representing my country, and I was very grateful for that." He also noted that given the way the squad and injuries fell, he might have been in contention, but he could not have foreseen that. "He (Tuchel) could have always called me and I would have represented my country, but he decided not to, and that's how it goes. I was not expecting a call because I was retired."

Walker highlighted that England were not short of right-backs, mentioning Reece James, Trent Alexander-Arnold, and Tino Livramento, so he could enjoy some family time without leaving the team short.