Gerrard confirms his retirement

England and Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard has announced his retirement from international football.

Gerrard has made the announcement following a poor World Cup campaign which seen England get eliminated in the group stages.

Gerrard has made 114 appearances for England and is 3rd in England’s most capped players. Gerrard is behind England goalkeeper Peter Shilton and England midfielder David Beckham.

Following the announcement Gerrard said “I have enjoyed every minute of representing my country and it is a sad day for me knowing that I won't pull on the England shirt again," said the 34-year-old, who will take up a role as an FA ambassador.

"However, I do look forward to continuing my strong relationship with the FA and helping out in any way I can going forward. 

"I'd like to firstly thank my family and friends for all their support throughout my England journey. I'd also like to thank everyone who has been part of my international career, from the England managers I've played under to the staff at the FA and, of course, all the players I've been fortunate to play alongside.

"In particular, the supporters have been amazing, not least in Brazil when they got behind the team despite the disappointing results. 

"I'd especially like to thank Roy Hodgson, firstly for giving me the captaincy permanently when he took the job, making me the proudest man in the country and allowing me to fulfil my childhood dream. 

"This has been a very difficult decision, one of the toughest I've had to make in my career. I have agonised over this since coming back from Brazil and have spoken to family, friends and people close to me in the game before coming to this point. 

"Most importantly, Brendan [Rodgers] has been fantastic and obviously I have to look after my body as much as possible to ensure I can give everything when I take to the field. 

"To ensure I can keep playing to a high level and giving everything to Liverpool Football Club I believe this is the right decision, and having Champions League football back at Anfield is another big factor in my decision.”