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Gerrard calls time on England career

Roar Guru
21st July, 2014
17

England captain Steven Gerrard has retired from international football after becoming a pillar of the team in 114 appearances, but making way after the country’s disastrous World Cup campaign.

Gerrard, 34, led England at the World Cup where they bowed out in the group stage.

The Liverpool midfielder said he had “agonised” over the decision since returning from Brazil.

“This has been a very difficult decision, one of the toughest I’ve had to make in my career,” Gerrard told the Football Association’s FATV on Monday.

“I have agonised over this since coming back from Brazil and have spoken to family, friends and people close to me in the game before coming to this point.

“I have enjoyed every minute of representing my country and it is a sad day for me knowing that I won’t pull on the England shirt again.”

Gerrard has been hailed as one of the best midfielders to come out of England.

The first of his 21 international goals came in a famous 5-1 victory over Germany in a World Cup qualifier in September, 2001.

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Gerrard said his desire to maintain his form and fitness for Liverpool, particularly given the Reds return to this season’s Champions League, also played a factor in his England retirement.

“Most importantly, Brendan (Rodgers) has been fantastic and obviously I have to look after my body as much as possible to ensure I can give everything when I take to the field.

“To ensure I can keep playing to a high level and giving everything to Liverpool Football Club I believe this is the right decision, and having Champions League football back at Anfield is another big factor in my decision,” explained Gerrard.

Gerrard, who made his international debut against Ukraine in 2000, trails just Peter Shilton (125) and David Beckham (115) on England’s all-time caps list.

He appeared at three World Cup finals as well as three European Championships. He captained England on 38 occasions, notably at both 2010 and 2014 World Cups as well as Euro 2012.

England coach Roy Hodgson, who made Gerrard his full-time captain in 2012, paid tribute to his outgoing skipper, saying: “While I’m disappointed in the decision, I can entirely understand Steven’s situation and can have no complaints given the incredible service he has given to his country.”

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