England captain Steven Gerrard has decided to retire from international football after winning an impressive 114 caps for his country. Gerrard, now aged 34, had won his first cap in a 2-0 win over Ukraine in 2000 and made his last England appearance in the 0-0 draw with Costa Rica at the 2014 World Cup.
The Liverpool midfielder said: "I have enjoyed every minute of representing my country. It's a sad day for me." He ranks third on England's most-capped player list behind only Peter Shilton (125) and David Beckham (115). "It was a very difficult decision to make," he added. "It's something I have been contemplating for a long time, not just since the end of the World Cup. I've had to take an awful lot of advice from people who are close to me - players that I still play with, ex-players who I played with a long time ago, managers who I played for years ago. It's been a really tough decision, certainly one of the toughest since I turned professional at 18."
England manager Roy Hodgson said: "While I'm disappointed, I can entirely understand Steven's situation and can have no complaints given the incredible service he has given to his country." Gerrard will continue his club career with Liverpool, for whom he made his debut in 1998. He has spent his entire career with the Reds.
Liverpool, still with Steven Gerrard as captain, are 9/1 at Bet365 to win the Premier League next season.
LFCfanBoti97 9 years ago
Without SteveGe and with Hodson on the bench this national team is very slow...
Please enter your comment.
Your comment is added.
Dominic Horsley 9 years ago
Thanks for the service stevey G. Regardless of what many people say he was an excellent captain. It's his simple mistakes that have let him down, I'm guessing he just wants to focus on that premier league title now, which for his sake I hope he gets before he is too old as he does deserve one.
Please enter your comment.
Your comment is added.