Steven Gerrard has retired from England duty after 14 years of international football, the Football Association announced.
Liverpool captain Gerrard made 114 appearances for England, and he skippered the country at the recent 2014 World Cup.
However, the Three Lions finished at the bottom of Group D, failing
to win a game, and the 34-year-old struggled for form, adding to
questions about his future representing his nation.
Gerrard said he needed time before deciding, confirming that
Liverpool's involvement in next season's Champions League, on top of
their domestic schedule, was a factor.
On Monday, Gerrard told the FA's official website:
"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."
England boss Roy Hodgson said: "While I'm disappointed in the
decision, I can entirely understand Steven's situation and can have no
complaints given the incredible service he has given to his country.
"I must respect his wishes due to the discussions we have had and the
amount of thought and consideration he himself has given it."
Gerrard made his debut in 2000 in a 2-0 win over Ukraine at Wembley
and went on to play in six major tournaments, scoring 21 times in his
entire career.
He captained the side 38 times and is the third-most capped England
player of all time behind Peter Shilton (125) and David Beckham (115).