Ashley Cole has announced his retirement from international football after he learned that Roy Hodgson did not include him in the squad for the World Cup. Cole comes on the back of a very disappointing season with Chelsea during which time he has failed to win a major trophy. The 33-year-old is also out of contract at the end of the campaign and there seems to be little indication from the club that they are willing to extend it. Cole retires from England duty after having become the nation’s top appearance maker for a left back.

Cole has also confirmed that his decision to retire from international duty was taken after he spoke with Hodgson for the upcoming squad. The England manager is yet to reveal the squad, but he appears to have privately told Cole that he will not be featuring in it. This appears to have been the last straw for the man who has made 107 caps for the national team. The England manager is expected to announce his squad today. Leighton Baines and Luke Shaw will be the players occupying the position, which has long been held by Cole.

He has been a first-team regular for the national team since his Arsenal days. He has been linked with a move to the MLS.

"I got the call from Roy and agree the England team should be about the young players. I think it best I retire from [the] 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. Baines and Shaw are great players, [as] proved this season, and are the future of this country. It was a pleasure to get 107 caps," said the Chelsea defender.