Paul Robinson cited his frustration at a lack of first-team action under Fabio Capello as the reason why he decided to retire from international football.
Robinson decided to call time on his international career last night just hours after being given a recall to the England squad to face Hungary on Wednesday at Wembley. The 30-year-old was overlooked by Capello for the World Cup, and has never played for the Italian since he took charge in December 2007.
"I have taken the decision to retire from international football with immediate effect," said Robinson in a statement. "Only now have I been able to make this decision as previously I haven't been in contention for selection."
He added: "As a professional who wants to play every time I have the chance I don't see myself as a number three or four keeper and find that role very frustrating," he added.
"I haven't had the opportunity of anything other than this [not being first choice] in recent years therefore I feel it in the best interest of myself and my club Blackburn Rovers that I concentrate solely on my club football.
"I wish the (England) team every success."
Robinson's last appearance in goal for his country came in October 2007 when his error allowed Russia to earn a vital 2-1 win over the Three Lions which ultimately cost England dearly in their failed attempt to qualify for Euro 2008 under Steve McLaren.
Robinson, who won 41 caps for his country, was also guilty of another costly gaffe during that qualifying campaign when he failed to connect with Gary Neville's back pass, leading to an own goal during England's 2-0 defeat in Croatia.
The Yorkshire-born goalkeeper had shown signs of vast improvements in recent years with Blackburn though, leading to calls for him to be given another chance with England.
Capello, however, has decided to overlook the former Spurs goalkeeper for the majority of his time in charge, only calling up Robinson for England's World Cup qualifying squads with Kazakhstan and Andorra after an injury to David James.
Source: PA
