Soccer-England’s Kyle Walker calls time on England career four caps short of century
On Tuesday afternoon in London, England defender Kyle Walker officially retired from the national team after 96 appearances and four matches shy of reaching century status for a career spanning over three decades. The decision to hang up boots comes just months before his country's scheduled campaign at the upcoming World Cup following two European Championship runner-up finishes under Tuchel management since joining in November 2013, with Walker noting that playing time has become increasingly limited due to age and fitness concerns as he transitions from a key starter for Burnley.
Key Points
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1Kyle Walker has officially retired from playing for the England national team.
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2The defender, who is either described as a 'legend' or aged between 35 and 36 years old depending on reporting sources, announced his decision via social media in London this Tuesday (March).
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3Walker's international career spanned approximately three to four decades of appearances for England.
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4He retired just before the start of their upcoming campaign at a major tournament scheduled for late summer.
Developments
Burnley defender KyleWalker announced his retirement from international football after earning 96 caps over a career spanning five major tournaments including two European Championships where he was named in both Team of Tournaments and one World Cup, with Thomas Tuchel praising him as "one of England's greats." Following Walker's final appearance against Senegal at Wembley last October, manager Reece James has taken his place alongside Djed Spence (Tottenham) and Ezri Konsa (Aston Villa).