Post by Taxigirl on Aug 4, 2004 9:18:04 GMT
www.skysports.com/skysports/article/0,,7-1146207,00.html
Paul Scholes has sensationally retired from international football after representing England in Euro 2004.
The Manchester United midfielder has been an automatic choice for his country and ended his goal drought with a header during the win against Croatia.
Scholes made his full international debut against Italy in Le Tournoi, scoring and setting up a goal for Ian Wright in a performance that offered a glimpse of his precocious talents.
He had earlier made his international bow at his home ground Old Trafford, against South Africa.
"This is a decision I have not taken lightly," he told United's official website.
"I have been considering retiring from international football for a while now.
"I started my England career in 1997 and have enjoyed seven years of great football, playing in the best competitions, with some of the best players, under the best managers."
Scholes has been under pressure for his place, although always a favourite of Sven Goran Eriksson's, with Frank Lampard's emergence as a top class talent a key factor.
"Euro 2004 was fantastic but, afterwards, I felt the time was right for myself and my family to make it my last England appearance," he added.
The 29-year-old was substituted during the penalty shoot-out defeat to Portugal that ended England's run in the competition.
Paul Scholes has sensationally retired from international football after representing England in Euro 2004.
The Manchester United midfielder has been an automatic choice for his country and ended his goal drought with a header during the win against Croatia.
Scholes made his full international debut against Italy in Le Tournoi, scoring and setting up a goal for Ian Wright in a performance that offered a glimpse of his precocious talents.
He had earlier made his international bow at his home ground Old Trafford, against South Africa.
"This is a decision I have not taken lightly," he told United's official website.
"I have been considering retiring from international football for a while now.
"I started my England career in 1997 and have enjoyed seven years of great football, playing in the best competitions, with some of the best players, under the best managers."
Scholes has been under pressure for his place, although always a favourite of Sven Goran Eriksson's, with Frank Lampard's emergence as a top class talent a key factor.
"Euro 2004 was fantastic but, afterwards, I felt the time was right for myself and my family to make it my last England appearance," he added.
The 29-year-old was substituted during the penalty shoot-out defeat to Portugal that ended England's run in the competition.