Walker rejects Rooney’s England return plea
England’s right-back crisis deepens as Kyle Walker shuts down calls to reverse his retirement ahead of the World Cup.
Kyle Walker shut down any chance of an England return on Tuesday, dismissing Wayne Rooney’s public plea to reconsider retirement after Reece James’ injury and Tino Livramento’s World Cup exit. Walker called Rooney’s intervention “flattering” but flatly stated his time is up, arguing he’s clearing the way for younger right-backs like Trent Alexander-Arnold and James. “I’ve made my decision,” Walker told reporters.
” Rooney, writing in *The Sun*, argued Walker’s experience could still guide England through a right-back shortage that now includes James (Achilles) and Livramento (ruled out of the 2026 tournament). The former England captain wrote that Walker’s leadership and know-how would be “invaluable” at a tournament where defensive depth is razor-thin. England’s backline has been hit by a spate of , leaving Gareth Southgate with few proven options at full-back.
