Vardy, Cahill quit England

– Jamie Vardy and Gary Cahill announced their intention to retire from international duty with England yesterday, although both did leave the door open to a return in emergency circumstances.

Leicester striker Vardy (31) and Chelsea defender Cahill (32) were both part of Gareth Southgate’s squad that reached the semifinals of the World Cup for only the third time in Russia this year.

However, both saw their playing time limited and believe the time has come to concentrate on their club careers.

“When you get selected, you want to be playing. If you’re playing week in, week out for your club, you want to be going to England to play as well,” Vardy, who started just once at the World Cup in a group stage dead rubber against Belgium, told the Guardian.

Vardy only made his international debut in 2015 after spending much of his career in England’s lower leagues and scored seven goals in 26 appearances for his country.

Cahill had a more decorated England career with 61 caps stretching back to 2010 and started every game for the Three Lions at the 2014 World Cup and Euro 2016. – AFP

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