Full back has since retired with 107 caps to his name.
Chelsea left-back Ashley Cole turned down the chance to be one of England’s seven players put on standby for this summer’s Fifa World Cup finals in Brazil by national team head coach Roy Hodgson, according to reports in the Daily Telegraph.
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The experienced former England international was told the news that he would not be part of Hodgson’s 23-man squad for next month’s tournament in South America following his side’s 2-1 win at Cardiff City on Sunday night, with the Three Lions boss instead preferring to go with young Southampton left-back Luke Shaw to act as backup to first-choice Leighton Baines.
And when Hodgson asked the 33-year-old if he would be prepared to be one of his seven players placed on his standby list in case of injuries to any of the 23 players selected in the main squad for Brazil 2014, Cole declined the opportunity and promptly decided to call it quits at international level after 107 appearances for his country.
“I got the call from Roy and agree England team should be about the young players,” said Cole.
“I think it best I retire from England team now. We have a great manager and team and I wish them only success. I will be supporting them like a true fan. Thanks to everyone for everything.”
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