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Kyle Walker has responded to Wayne Rooney’s suggestion that the former England full-back should have been recalled for the 2026 World Cup. The Manchester City legend appreciated his ex-team-mate’s supportive words but maintained his stance on stepping aside to allow the next generation of players to take over.

England’s defensive troubles deepen

Despite England’s growing defensive crisis during the tournament, Walker has reiterated his commitment to staying retired from international football. Speaking to The Sun, the veteran addressed Rooney’s comments made on BBC Sport earlier this week.

Rooney had argued that England manager Thomas Tuchel should have immediately contacted Walker after Tino Livramento was ruled out due to injury. England have been forced to use five different players at right-back, including Declan Rice and Ezri Konsa, following Reece James’s injury setback.

Although Rooney described the situation as cause for concern, Walker remains adamant that his international journey—which concluded in March after 96 caps—is definitively over.

Rooney urges Tuchel to bring Walker back

While analysing England’s round of 32 win over DR Congo, Rooney voiced serious concerns about the team’s defensive options under Tuchel.

Rooney commented: “We’ve seen this happen before—players coming out of retirement when the team needs them. As soon as Livramento got injured, I think Tuchel should have been on the phone to Kyle Walker. Kyle is still more than capable of playing for this England side. I would have called him to say, ‘We need you here; can you come and help us?’ That right-back issue could really cost us. I’m worried about that.”

Walker stands firm on his decision

In response to Rooney’s remarks, Walker made his position clear. He explained: “I would always have tried to be there for my country, but my time is up. I retired for a reason—I believed it was time to open the pathway for the next generation and make way for players like Trent Alexander-Arnold and Reece James. It’s just unfortunate that so many right-backs are injured now. I don’t regret anything in life. I made my decision and I stand by it. Could I have foreseen both Reece and Tino getting injured? Maybe, with their injury records, I could have given myself a small chance—but I also think England have a very capable right-back in Trent who has been overlooked.”

What lies ahead for England?

England now face a challenging round of 16 encounter against Mexico in Mexico City, with their right-back shortage forcing Tuchel to rely on improvised defensive solutions.

Tuchel must swiftly establish a stable defensive setup if England are to continue their World Cup journey. Meanwhile, Walker will remain focused on his club career with Championship side Burnley as preparations begin for the upcoming domestic season.