England’s Jamie Vardy to Retire from International Football

English striker Jamie Vardy has decided to retire from international football according to an interview.

(Photo: AP)

Jamie Vardy and Gary Cahill no longer want to be considered for England's national team.

Both players were members of the squad that reached the World Cup semi-finals in Russia.

They want to give England coach Gareth Southgate the opportunity to look at younger players ahead of the European Championship in 2020, but say they will make themselves available if there is a shortage of players.

“To be honest with you, this has been on my mind for a while," Vardy commented on Tuesday, explaining he had told Southgate it was "best to bring youngsters in who he thinks have got the ability and start nurturing them into international football."

He admitted that the fact he is always likely to be substitute to England captain, Harry Kane had also "had an impact" in his decision.

"When you get selected, you want to be playing. If you're playing week in, week out for your club, you want to be going to England to play as well.

"And if it's not happening, then for me personally now, at this age, it's better to be at home, spending that time with my family and training with my club, preparing for the next game after the international break," he said.

The 31-year-old Vardy, who has played 26 times for England, tells The Guardian newspaper that the fact he is not a guaranteed starter for his country influenced his decision. The Leicester striker says "personally now, at this age, it's better to be at home, spending that time with my family and training with my club."

The 32-year-old Cahill, who plays for Chelsea, has made 61 international appearances for England.

(With inputs from IANS and AP)