Share

Robinson quits England

London - England goalkeeper Paul Robinson announced his international retirement on Sunday hours after being recalled to the squad, disrupting Fabio Capello's plans for Wednesday's friendly against Hungary.

Capello planned to use the match to usher in a new era following England's woeful World Cup. He will now have only two goalkeepers to choose from after deciding not to replace the 30-year-old Blackburn keeper.

Robinson, who was England's No. 1 at the 2006 World Cup, did not want to be behind Joe Hart and Ben Foster in the pecking order.

"As a professional who wants every chance to play football, I do not see myself as No. 3 or 4 goalkeeper," Robinson said. "I find that role very frustrating. I haven't had the opportunity to be anything other than this in recent years."

Robinson missed the cut for South Africa having not played for England since 2007. He was brought back into the fold on Saturday after Capello decided to drop 40-year-old David James and Robert Green, whose blunder in the World Cup opener gifted the United States an equalizer.

It was Robinson's mistakes during the failed qualifying campaign for the 2008 European Championship that cost him a place in the starting XI. The last of his 41 England appearances was in a 2-1 defeat to Russia in October 2007.

But Robinson has impressed again since joining Blackburn from Tottenham in July 2008.

"I feel it in the best interest of myself and my club, Blackburn Rovers, that I concentrate solely on my club football," he said. "I wish the (England) team every success."

England's Euro 2012 qualifying campaign begins in September with matches against Bulgaria and Switzerland.

We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Voting Booth
How much would you be prepared to pay for a ticket to watch the Springboks play against the All Blacks at Ellis Park or Cape Town Stadium this year?
Please select an option Oops! Something went wrong, please try again later.
Results
R0 - R200
33% - 1818 votes
R200 - R500
32% - 1780 votes
R500 - R800
19% - 1084 votes
R800 - R1500
8% - 461 votes
R1500 - R2500
3% - 187 votes
I'd pay anything! It's the Boks v All Blacks!
5% - 254 votes
Vote
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE