Parker was made captain for the match against Swansea City in the absence of Brede Hangeland and scored his first goal for Fulham in the 2–1 loss at Craven Cottage.
Parker played in the Millennium Stadium against Wales in the qualifiers for UEFA Euro 2012 and was recognised as one of England's top players in the victory.
Parker came on as a second-half substitute for Frank Lampard in a friendly against Denmark to become the first player to receive his first four full caps whilst playing for four teams.
Parker's international debut for the senior England team came when he came on in the 66th minute as a substitute replacing Wayne Rooney in a 3–2 defeat against Denmark.