James Milner retires from international footbal

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.

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.