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Football

28th Aug 2018

Jamie Vardy to retire from international football after talks with Gareth Southgate

He has arrived at the decision to quit the international game after coming to terms with the fact that he will not play much even when called up

Reuben Pinder

Rumours as to whether he is having a party are unconfirmed

Jamie Vardy has retired from international football, according to reports.

The Leicester striker will turn 32 in January and seems to have arrived at the decision to quit the international game after talking with England manager Gareth Southgate, explaining that he would prefer to focus on club football and spend more time with his family.

Vardy is aware of the fact that even if called up to the squad, he is unlikely to get much game time, with Marcus Rashford and Raheem Sterling competing for the second striker spot ahead of him.

Vardy was first called up to the England squad in 2015, and made his debut in a 0-0 draw against the Republic of Ireland at the Aviva Stadium.

His first international goal came against Germany. His backheeled finish levelled the score at 2-2 in Berlin before Eric Dier went on to score a late winner.

He also scored a crucial equaliser against Wales in the Euro 2016 group stages from within the six yard box.

Vardy would not have imagined playing for England would become a reality when he played for Stocksbridge Park Steels, but 26 caps and seven goals later, he has lived every young England fan’s dream.

He’s now decided to draw a curtain on his short but prolific international career in order to fully focus on giving his all for Leicester City.