Defender Walker 'at ease' with England retirement

What the report says

Former England defender Kyle Walker said he is comfortable with his decision to retire from international football and believes it could help extend his club career. BBC Sport reported that the 36-year-old Burnley right-back discussed the issue at the launch of the English Football League season in Manchester on Wednesday.

Walker announced his England retirement in March after winning 96 caps, the most by any England right-back. His international career included appearances in the Euro 2021 and Euro 2024 finals and the 2018 World Cup semi-finals. He said the decision was made with his family and that, although it was difficult, he feels more at ease with it now.

The article noted that England’s squad this summer was affected by injuries, with Reece James and Tino Livramento missing games and Declan Rice covering at right-back. Walker said he was not regretting the choice and would have been available if called, but did not expect a recall after stepping away.

Walker also pointed to former team-mate James Milner as an example of a player who retired from England relatively early and continued at top level for many years. Burnley begin their Championship season at home to West Ham on 16 August, and Walker said he will judge his future year by year as he seeks to manage his body and prolong his club career.