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.
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.”
Wanderer
Guest
Scholes chose to forgo his international career, most likely at the behest of Whiskeynose. Carrick was given his chance at the 2012 Euro's and looked inadequate. Let's face it, English football is on its knees and you might as well blame the other 10, besides Gerrard or Lampard.
Indian cricket fan
Guest
There's a very good reason behind that. Not just the trophies! If anything people fell in love with United after the 1999 CL final, their never say die attitude,Sir Alex's management. Class of 1992, 6 players who played together since their childhood from different classes of society but became modern greats at their beloved club United. The Munich Air disaster and the revival of the club under Matt Busby...all these things make United as a club,institution something to cherish and enjoy. Plus United actually tried to reach out to the fans "from half a world away". David Beckham,Ryan Giggs,Paul Scholes,etc are very famous players in the world and in India, too. I might not be from Lancashire but i very much support United for the past 14 years. As for supporting Fulham or QPR, i have the right to chose aany sporting team i want. Just like i was a big fan of the Australian Cricket team in the early to mid 2000s even though the general opinion in India was far from positive.
Tom Jones
Guest
So there is a chance the name is real considering you think it's the most common in the world. Just fans from half a world away who happen to 'support' a team because it won trophies with no connection whatsoever to the club or the region it's from. You don't seem to support Fulham or Queens Park Rangers.
Indian cricket fan
Guest
Actually they are..you could call it a conflict of interest but in their case they are hedging their assets. If the new league fails to take-off, they already have a very good structure with Shlllong Lajong FC but if it succeeds they will have a convenient option of getting profits from it as well. But on the bright side, Lajong are totally committed to developing future Indian stars and running the club. The huge support for football in N.E. gives them the much need onus and support to expand its roots. Actually the success of football in N.E. provides a very good example for the rest of the nation to follow as a model. With little government support along with some investors, young upcoming players should be given a chance to train amongst the best of facilities. The iconic clubs like East Bengal,Mohun Bagan and even the Goan clubs have been struggling for the past 2-3 years . Their academies are dysfunctional and not upto the international level. Bengaluru FC has also been working on their youth project. But the real problem is lack of exposure to these young players
Ben of Phnom Penh
Roar Guru
Cheers ICF. One club I do admire is Shillong Lajong FC. They have a real local focus and seem to have avoided the "buy a big, technically void African athlete" approach to foreign player selection which so many teams across the continent fall for. It is amazing how many players from the national squad actually come from the Seven Sisters given the small percentage of the population that resides there. Just a pity there is little in the way of an economy over there to attract the big sponsors that an I-League side needs. Incidentally I do believe Shillong are part of a consortium to put together a NE side for the IMG Super League. Could be wrong, but fairly sure I read it somewhere.
Indian cricket fan
Guest
Well it sure is one hell of a passionate rivalry and one of the oldest in football. Shame the levels of Indian players have dropped so badly in the recent years that it is more of a long ball contest now with only 1-2 players actually doing something with the ball. Add to that the fact that there are no good strikers in India and they are replaced by huge African imports who have no idea about the derby like the local passionate players. And btw good to know you Ben
Ben of Phnom Penh
Roar Guru
There's always an incident. Usually it comes up when big derbies are discussed & compared though it surfaces via other topics as well.
Indian cricket fan
Guest
Really?! The Kolkata derby isdiscussed on this site! i am impressed by roarers. I hope not the brick throwing incident though in the derby last year
Ben of Phnom Penh
Roar Guru
Don't worry, I know who United Sikkim FC are (though Gangtok is in South-Central Sikkim, not on the extremity of the state), and East Bengal. The Kolkata derby is well known on this site and regularly referenced. Some of your thoughts on the AIFF and the new Super League and its relationship with the I-League would be welcome if you ever wish to pen an article.
Indian cricket fan
Guest
United Sikkhim FC is a good club being run in the extremities of a North East Indian state. And no i am not a fan. I am a fan of East Bengal...google it
Indian cricket fan
Guest
Yeah yeah...you don't like United or its fans....Very original of you just like your name Tom Jones( looks like the combination of most common first name and sirname in the whole world)
Indian cricket fan
Guest
Really?! The definition of a true fan is that of a local fan from Lancashire..Yawn! I haven't been to Lancashire because of my economic condition but that still doesn't stop me buying United kit after kit every year,watching all their matches and even raising my voice on different issues. I'd like to think of myself as a true United fan and also keep telling everyone "Don Bradman is the greatest cricketer of all time." You'd get a whole lot of support on this imbecilic statement amongst your Australian mates.
Ben of Phnom Penh
Roar Guru
Incorrect. United Sikkim FC.
Football United
Guest
And a bout damn time, ten years has been wasted on Gerrard and Lampard when more cultured players who would be more suitable to international football like Paul Scholes, Carrick and Steve McManaman or even currently with Wilshere and Barkley where/are sidelined.
Football United
Guest
"True united fans" do not come from india, they come from Lancashire which you probably haven't even been to.
Tom Jones
Guest
Of course you support Manchester United. How original.
Indian cricket fan
Guest
I am back Aussies! You lot will hear me complain and rant about australian sports establishment especially the australian cricket team again. Gerrard was one of the most committed players for both liverpool and england. Even a true united fan like me has respect for him