England manager Gareth Southgate revealed that he successfully persuaded Kyle Walker, who is 33 years old, to reconsider retiring from international duty.
This convincing conversation took place after England’s World Cup quarterfinal loss to France last year and also after the heartbreaking defeat to Italy in the Euro 2020 final.
During Saturday’s Euro 2024 qualifier against Ukraine in Wroclaw, Poland, the right-back marked his 77th appearance for the national team by scoring his debut England goal. Southgate emphasised that Walker plays a “vital” role within the squad.
“I’ve talked him out of retirement twice from international football, after the Euros and after the World Cup,” Southgate told British media. “I think he loves being here.
“If we’re talking about world-class players in their position on our team, then he’s probably one of them.
“I think he didn’t realise how much value we have for him and how important he is for us. He’s probably not going to thank me for sharing that.”
Southgate added that Walker, who made his international debut aged 21 in 2011, had become a “mature leader” for England.
“Not only playing but also around the training, the way I hear him speak when he’s interviewed, his influence on the group, the younger players,” Southgate said.
“I think he’s enjoying the extra responsibility he’s had at his club and I know he’s ready to embrace that with us as well.”
England are six points clear in Group C and on course to qualify for next year’s Euros in Germany. They take on Scotland in a friendly in Glasgow on Tuesday.