Chelsea centre-back Gary Cahill has today announced his decision to walk away from international football with England.
The 32-year-old was part of Gareth Southgate’s squad for the World Cup in Russia this summer, but spent most of his time on the substitutes bench, making just one appearance in the dead rubber tie against Belgium.
Cahill becomes the second Premier League star to reveal that he no longer wants to be considered for Three Lions duty after Leicester City striker Jamie Vardy revealed earlier today that he has also come to same decision.
However, both players have admitted that they would consider an international return in case of an emergency.
“In terms of my international future, it’s time I take a step back now. I feel that it’s the right moment to do that.” Cahill told Chelsea TV.
“I have been hugely proud of what I have achieved in terms of over 60 caps, I’ve captained my country on a few occasions which has been a huge honour, it’s something I have been really proud of in terms of my career.
Absolutely devastated about the result last night- it’s hard to take for everyone involved but I’m so proud of the lads and how they have played throughout this tournament. This is a fantastic squad of very talented players and the future is exciting.
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“Three major tournaments, I should have had four but I broke my jaw. I’ve played pretty solid over the seven, eight years I’ve been involved, something again I’ve been very proud of.
“I can see now it’s going in a younger generation and I think for me to take a step back now is the perfect time.
“At the same time in your football career you never want to shut a door completely. I’ve been hugely honoured to play for my country and I would never shut the door. If I’m needed in the future, then obviously I’m there.”
