Gerrard retires from international duty

adamhigginsuk
Jul 21, 2014
3 min read

Loyal: Liverpool midfielder Gerrard, who went to three World Cups and three European Championships, had served his country nobly since the age of 19 (Picture from Flickr)

ENGLAND captain Steven Gerrard has retired from international duty after representing his country for 14 years.

Gerrard skippered the Three Lions during their disappointing 2014 World Cup campaign in Brazil as they failed to advance beyond the group stages.

The Liverpool midfielder, who made his debut against Ukraine in 2000, scored 21 goals in 114 caps and was a part of six major tournaments.

"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 told the Football Association website.

"However, I do look forward to continuing my strong relationship with the FA and helping out in any way I can going forward.

"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."

Gerrard cited playing at the highest level and Liverpool's return to the Champions League as the main reasons for the decision to call time on his international career.

But the Reds skipper will continue his strong relationship with the FA by carrying out a high-profile ambassadorial role.

Three Lions boss Roy Hodgson added: "While I'm disappointed in the decision, I can entirely understand Steven's situation and can have no complaints given the incredible service he has given to his country.

"I must respect his wishes due to the discussions we have had and the amount of thought and consideration he himself has given it.

"He is an incredible man and a fantastic footballer who we have all been blessed to see in an England shirt so often. We shall miss his leadership qualities as we look ahead to the qualification campaign with a youthful group of players."

Steven Gerrard England record graphic.jpg

Gerrard made his Three Lions debut in a 2-0 friendly win over Ukraine at Wembley in June 2000 and was selected for the European Championships later that month by Kevin Keegan.

His first international goal came in Munich against Germany in a thrilling 5-1 win in September 2001 in a World Cup qualifier.

Although missing the 2002 finals in Japan and South Korea through injury, he went to three World Cups from 2006 onwards and was captain in 2010 and 2014.

Gerrard, who also represented England at Euro 2004 in Portugal, received skipper duties on a permanent basis when Hodgson was appointed as coach in May 2012 before the European Championships in Poland and Ukraine.

He was named in the team of the tournament despite their quarter-final loss to Italy on penalties and went on to play an integral part in their World Cup qualifying campaign for Brazil.

Gerrard admitted he was "broken" following England's disastrous World Cup showing last month, in which defeats to Italy and Uruguay ensured an early exit.

His final appearance came as a second-half substitute in their goalless draw with Costa Rica, after which he revealed he would contemplate his future for the national team.

Manchester United forward Wayne Rooney and Manchester City goalkeeper Joe Hart will be among the favourites to replace Gerrard as skipper ahead of the Euro 2016 qualifiers, which begin in September.