Former England goalkeeper Robinson calls time after 375 top-flight matches

Ex-england goalkeeper Paul Robinson has retired from the game, his former club Burnley have announced.

Robinson, 37, made 375 topflight appearances for Leeds, Tottenham,blackburnandthe Clarets, as well as featuring for England 41 times. He signed a one-year deal at Turf Moor last summer and Burnley confirmed he has now decided to call time on his career.

Robinson ranks eighth in the list of goalkeepers with the most Premier League appearances, and second among English stoppers behind only David James.

Three of his outings came last season and his appearance against Manchester City in November was his first in the top flight in four years.

Robinson revealed a back injury that troubled him while at Blackburn had resurfaced towards the end of the previous campaign and was behind his retirement call.

“Unfortunately, my back problem returned towards the end of last season and has prevented me being ready for the start of the new season,” he explained.

“Taking everything into consideration I’ve decided to announce my retirement. I have been very fortunate to play the game I love for so many years and make it my career.

“I intend to take a short time out to spend time with my family and explore the different options available to me. I have been very lucky to play for four very special football clubs and my country.” For the first time in 12 meetings, Germany – attempting to win their eighth straight titl – failed to defeat Sweden as their Group B encounter in Breda ended goalless.

The nearest each side came to breaking the deadlock came with missed chances from headers. Sweden’s Linda Sembrant headed wide twice – once in each half – and Germany’s Josephine Henning did the same two minutes from the end.