Cahill and Vardy tell Southgate not to pick them again

JAMIE Vardy and Gary Cahill have both effectively called time on their international careers after helping England reach the World Cup semifinals.

With Gareth Southgate naming his first squad since the finals tomorrow, two of the more experienced members of the group in Russia have clarified their future.

Non-league player turned England striker Vardy has decided to all-but retire from the national team after scoring seven goals in 26 appearances, while ex-Bolton defender Cahill is stepping back after representing England on 61 occasions.

“In terms of my international future I think it is time I take a step back,” Cahill told Chelsea TV.

“Now I feel is the right moment to do that, I feel hugely proud of what I have achieved in terms of over 60 caps, I have captained my country on a few occasions which is a huge honour.”

Cahill captained the Three Lions several times, with the 32-year-old part of the squad at the 2014 and 2018 World Cups as well as Euro 2016.

Cahill’s sentiments echoed those of Vardy, who has been a Three Lions regular since June 2015.

“To be honest with you, this has been on my mind for a while,” Vardy said.

“I’m not getting any younger and you can see, to be fair to the gaffer, he wants to make it more youthful, which obviously had its benefits during the World Cup.

“So, I just said to Gareth that I think it’s probably best from now on, especially with the way he wants to go, to bring youngsters in.”