Walker was not going to make Tuchel’s squad for this summer’s World Cup, accepting the reality that he is unlikely to receive another England call.
The time had come to move away.
Chelsea’s Reece James is primed to take the role Walker has filled with such distinction at five major tournaments at World Cups in 2018 and 2022, and Euros in 2016, 2021 and 2024.
His retirement from international football concludes a stellar and enduring career, with his achievements and longevity placing him among England’s finest right-backs.
He bows out four short of the century of caps he had hoped to achieve, but his track record and the manner in which a succession of managers made him a central part of their plans is testimony to the quality and personality he brought over a 14-year career at the highest level.
Walker made his debut as a substitute in a 1-0 win against Spain at Wembley in 2011 – replacing his current Burnley manager Scott Parker – with his last cap coming in the 3-1 defeat to Senegal last year.
In between, he was a crucial component as England reached the World Cup semi-final in 2018, losing to Croatia, along with successive Euros finals in which Southgate’s side lost to Italy at Wembley in 2021 then Spain in Berlin in 2024.
He was also used in a back three when Southgate choose to utilise this system, the manager trusting his versatility as well as admiring his leadership qualities, not just on the field, but within his squad.
Walker suffered those disappointments with England but leaves the stage with a track record to be proud of.
He achieved all this alongside his huge successes at Manchester City, where he won six Premier Leagues, the Champions League, the FA Cup twice and four League Cups.
He was gifted with searing pace, making him an integral player for managers Fabio Capello, Roy Hodgson, Southgate, the interim Lee Carsley and Tuchel. He also figured in Sam Allardyce’s only game in charge, the 1-0 win against Slovakia in September 2016.
Such was his temperament and speed that Southgate was very happy to deploy him in opposition to Kylian Mbappe when England played France in the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, Walker more than doing himself justice in the battle against the great forward, despite a 2-1 defeat.
He has made an indelible mark with England and his presence alone will be difficult to replace.
