Steven Gerrard has called time on his international career with England.
The Liverpool midfielder made his debut back in 2000 against Ukraine and went on to represent the Three Lions on 114 occasions.
However, having skippered the England side that suffered an early exit at this summer's World Cup, the 34-year-old has decided that the time is right for him to step aside, with one eye on ensuring that he is able to continue to perform at a high standard for his club.
"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 said in a statement. "I'd also like to thank everyone who has been part of my international career, from the England managers I've played under to the staff at The FA and, of course, all the players I've been fortunate to play alongside.
"I'd especially like to thank Roy [Hodgson], firstly for giving me the captaincy permanently when he took the job, making me the proudest man in the country and allowing me to fulfil my childhood dream. He has been very understanding over the past few weeks and is a man I will always hold in the highest regard.
"This has been a very difficult decision, one of the toughest I've had to make in my career. 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. 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 I believe this is the right decision, and having Champions League football back at Anfield is another big factor in my decision."
Gerrard, who captained his country on 38 occasions, scored 21 goals for England.
Liam Apicella
