MX23RW : Saturday, November 16 16:36:27| >> :60:664:664:

England's James Milner retires from international football

Liverpool midfielder James Milner retires from international football with England after earning 61 caps.

The Football Association has announced that James Milner has retired from England duty.

The Liverpool midfielder, who has earned 61 caps for his country, made the decision after holding talks with new England manager Sam Allardyce.

Milner's last outing for the Three Lions was at Euro 2016 in France, where the team were knocked out in the last-16 stage by minnows Iceland, which forced Roy Hodgson to resign as manager.

In his international career, Milner competed at two World Cups and two European Championships.

"I would like to thank Sam for taking the time to come and see me in person and have the conversation face to face, regarding my international future and role within the England set-up," said Milner.

"I think the decision we have reached is all about common sense. I wish Sam, the players, staff and supporters success in the future."

Allardyce said: "James has had the chance to reflect on his international career in recent months and consider his next steps, particularly with a young family at home and having allowed himself little free time away from the professional game in the past 15 years.

"After we had a lengthy conversation with him earlier this week, he has decided to take a step back from international duty; a decision I fully respect.

"James can be proud of his seven-year career as a senior England player and has never let his country down when called upon. His club career, already glittering, has many years ahead and we wish him well with Liverpool this season and beyond."

Allardyce added that Milner is willing to come back into the fold if he is needed to play a "specific role of importance within my team".

The midfielder made his senior England debut in 2009.

ID:278241: cacheID:278241:1false2false3false:QQ:: from db desktop :LenBod:restore:2813:
Restore Data
Share this article now:
England midfielder James Milner dribbles during the friendly match between England and Ecuador at Miami Sun Life Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida on June 4, 2014
Read Next:
James Milner hints at international retirement
>
rhs 2.0
Today's games header
Tables header RHS
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Liverpool119112161528
2Manchester CityMan City117222213923
3Chelsea115422113819
4Arsenal115421812619
5Nottingham ForestNott'm Forest115421510519
6Brighton & Hove AlbionBrighton115421915419
7Fulham115331613318
8Newcastle UnitedNewcastle115331311218
9Aston Villa115331717018
10Tottenham HotspurSpurs1151523131016
11Brentford115152222016
12Bournemouth114341515015
13Manchester UnitedMan Utd114341212015
14West Ham UnitedWest Ham113351319-612
15Leicester CityLeicester112451421-710
16Everton112451017-710
17Ipswich TownIpswich111551222-108
18Crystal Palace11146815-77
19Wolverhampton WanderersWolves111371627-116
20Southampton11119721-144


Sports Mole provides in-depth previews and predictions for every match from the biggest leagues and competitions in world football.
Argentina's Lionel Messi kisses the World Cup trophy after collecting the Golden Ball award on December 18, 2022Sign up for our FREE daily preview newsletter direct to your inbox!