Robinson quits England as Capello names young squad
Published:Blackburn goalkeeper Paul Robinson has announced his retirement from international football, a matter of hours after earning a recall to the England squad.
Fabio Capello had named Robinson in his 23-man England party to face Hungary on Wednesday (England are 3/10 to win), but the former Tottenham player has spurned the invitation.
Robinson had been in international limbo since making his last appearance against Russia in 2007, and the 30-year-old felt that this was the right time to end his England career.
“Only now have I been able to make this decision as previously I haven’t been in contention for selection,” Robinson said.
“I don’t see myself as a number three or four keeper and find that role very frustrating.”
Elsewhere in the squad, Capello has answered the clamour for a youthful rejuvenation of his squad by handing a first senior call-up to Arsenal teenager Jack Wilshere.
England are 8/1 to win Euro 2012, and Capello is hoping to blood as many youngsters as he can in preparation for the campaign in Poland and Ukraine.
As such, Wilshere is one of three uncapped players in the squad, joined by Arsenal team-mate Kieran Gibbs and Fulham’s Bobby Zamora.
18-year-old Wilshere will become the 10th youngest player ever to represent England if he plays a part against Hungary at Wembley.
Left-back Gibbs is one of four defensive changes, with Manchester United’s Wes Brown, Gary Cahill of Bolton and Everton’s Phil Jagielka all recalled.
Young wingers Theo Walcott and Adam Johnson are also brought back into the fold, though there is no place for Joe Cole.
And up front, Jermain Defoe and Peter Crouch lose out to Carlton Cole and Darren Bent as Capello experiments with a few of his fringe players.
Could Hungary possibly surprise England? They are 7/1 to win at Wembley. See the full England vs Hungary Match Betting Odds market.
