Robinson resigns from International

[Laylabelle 9,359]

Blackburn goalkeeper Paul Robinson has pulled out of the England squad for Wednesday's friendly with Hungary and retired from international football.

The 30-year-old played at the 2006 World Cup but had drifted off the scene until his recall for this game.

"Only now have I been able to make this decision as previously I haven't been in contention for selection," he said.

"I don't see myself as a number three or four keeper and find that role very frustrating."

The former Leeds and Tottenham goalkeeper made his England debut in 2003 against Australia and won 41 caps, including playing in all five of England's games at the 2006 World Cup in Germany.

But he paid the price for costly errors as England failed to reach Euro 2008, most famously failing to connect with a Gary Neville back pass which resulted in an own goal in the 2-0 defeat in Croatia.

His last appearance for England was a 2-1 defeat against Russia in 2007, where he could only palm a long-range shot into Roman Pavlyuchenko's path to set up Russia's winning goal.

Robinson was not selected by England for two years after that, and only earned a recall to the squad when David James was injured for the World Cup 2010 qualifiers against Kazakhstan and Andorra.

Having fallen behind James, Joe Hart and Robert Green in the international pecking order, he was never a likely contender for a place in this year's World Cup party.

He was named in England coach Fabio Capello's first squad since the disappointment of South Africa, but with the younger Joe Hart and Ben Foster more likely starters, he announced his decision.

"I haven't had the opportunity of anything other than this [not being first choice] in recent years therefore I feel it in the best interest of myself and my club Blackburn Rovers that I concentrate solely on my club football."

The Football Association says it has no plan to replace him in the squad.

BBC Sport

[Term-X 7,891]

I suppose it could get rather tedious for 3rd choice keepers to be travelling around with england constantly.

[LDN Blue 7,903]

Will give a chance for Joe Hart to get a push. He was a good keeper before his blunders, good luck to him.

Chances of Turnbull getting a nod?

[zolayes 14,489]

WELL DONE Robbo a slap for the arrogant Crapello

[Manuf 1,448]

Will give a chance for Joe Hart to get a push. He was a good keeper before his blunders, good luck to him.

Chances of Turnbull getting a nod?

He would have to learn how to catch...

[BRMC 12]

Robinson should of gone to South Africa in my opinion. No doubt he would of been third choice for the friendly so not much point him carrying on with England really now hes 30. Time to bring Hart through and make him the number 1.

[ZanSnake 1,211]

He would have to learn how to catch...

I think he needs to know what a goalkeeper does first....

[Kez 2,727]

Joe Hart for number one