Soccer-Southgate says he talked Walker out of England retirement twice

Soccer Football - Euro 2024 Qualifier - Group C - Ukraine v England - Tarczynski Arena, Wroclaw, Poland - September 9, 2023 England's Kyle Walker scores their first goal past Ukraine's Georgiy Bushchan Action Images via Reuters/Matthew Childs

(Reuters) - England coach Gareth Southgate said he talked Kyle Walker out of retiring from international duty following last year's World Cup quarter-final loss to France and after the Euro 2020 final shootout defeat by Italy.

The 33-year-old right back scored his first England goal on his 77th appearance during Saturday's 1-1 draw with Ukraine in a Euro 2024 qualifier in Wroclaw, Poland, and Southgate said the defender is "critical" to the squad.