Defender Walker 'at ease' with England retirement

Former England defender Kyle Walker said he was "at ease" with his decision to quit international football and hoped it could lead to an extended club career - similar to that enjoyed by former team-mate James Milner.

The Burnley right-back, who turned 36 in May, announced his retirement from the Three Lions in March after a glittering career earned him 96 caps and feature at five major tournaments.

Walker played in the final of the European Championship in 2021 and 2024 and 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 led to midfielder Declan Rice having to step in as an emergency right-back, with central defenders Ezri Konsa and Jarell Quansah also deputising.

Asked if he had retired too early from England after being left out of squads by Thomas Tuchel, Walker said "no, definitely not".

"Decisions in life you stand on what you do," he added. "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.

"It was a difficult decision but one I'm more at ease with now. It was something I wanted to do and felt it was right. I spent a lot of years with England representing my country that I was very grateful for.

"The way the squad and injuries fell, maybe I might have been in with a shout but I was not to foresee that. He [Tuchel] could've always called me and I would've represented my country, but he decided not to and that's how it goes. I was not expecting a call because I was retired.

"It was Reece James, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Tino Livramento, so I was not leaving them spare, so I could enjoy some family time."