Ashley Cole has retired from International football having been pre-informed of his exclusion from the team before the official announcement of the squad. The 33-year-old Chelsea defender has won 107 caps for England, he announced via his twitter page “I got the call from Roy and agree England team should be about the young players. I think it best I retire from England team now”.
He has kind words for his manager and his team mate that have displaced in the squad:”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”. “Baines and 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.”
Hodgson will name his 23-man squad, along with up to seven stand-by players, at 2pm on Monday in Luton. This is about the most difficult call in his long career in management.