After getting ditched from World Cup squad, Ashley Cole retires from international football
Following his omission from the World Cup squad in favour of younger players, Chelsea’s Ashley Cole has retired from international football.
16:41 12 May 2014
It has been confirmed that Chelsea’s Ashley Cole has officially retired from international football after he was ditched from World Cup squad. The 33-year-old left-back won 107 caps and played at three World Cups.
Cole said: "I got the call from Roy and agree the England team should be about the young players. I think it best I retire from the England team now.”
Writing to Twitter, he added: “We have a great manager and team and I wish them only success. I will be supporting them like a true fan. Thanks to everyone for everything.”
"Leighton Baines and [18-year-old novice Luke] Shaw are great players, proved this season, and are the future of this country, it was a pleasure to get 107 caps.
"Like me or not, trust me it's hurt me to stop playing for my country #proud and #honoured."
Meanwhile, England manager Roy Hodgson said that leaving Cole out of his squad was difficult. "He's been an incredible competitor for England. To amass over a century of caps is a truly staggering achievement and he deserves enormous credit for the desire and brilliance which has shone through over the years he has represented his country.
"There are few players who can be considered among the very best in the world, but Ashley in his prime was the best left-back without question."
Here is the full England Squad pick:
Goalkeepers: Fraser Forster (Celtic), Ben Foster (West Bromwich Albion), Joe Hart (Manchester City).
Defenders: Leighton Baines (Everton), Gary Cahill (Chelsea), Phil Jagielka (Everton), Glen Johnson (Liverpool), Phil Jones (Manchester United), Luke Shaw (Southampton), Chris Smalling (Manchester United).
Midfielders: Ross Barkley (Everton), Steven Gerrard (Liverpool), Jordan Henderson (Liverpool), Adam Lallana (Southampton), Frank Lampard (Chelsea), James Milner (Manchester City), Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain (Arsenal), Raheem Sterling (Liverpool), Jack Wilshere (Arsenal).
Attackers: Rickie Lambert (Southampton), Wayne Rooney (Manchester United), Daniel Sturridge (Liverpool), Danny Welbeck (Manchester United).
Standby: John Ruddy (Norwich City), Jon Flanagan (Liverpool), John Stones (Everton), Michael Carrick (Manchester United), Tom Cleverley (Manchester United), Andy Carroll (West Ham United), Jermain Defoe (Toronto FC).