Chelsea defender joins Vardy in international retirement

Chelsea defender Gary Cahill is the second England player to announce his retirement from international football in the last hour.

Cahill was part of England's 2018 World Cup squad but only managed one appearance for the Three Lions, in a game that was effectively meaningless.

Leicester striker Jamie Vardy has also called time on his short England career and Cahill, who turns 33 at the end of the year, has joined his team-mate in focusing on his club football.

Cahill has already been frozen out by new Chelsea manager Maurizio Sarri and faces a real fight to regain his place in the team.

The veteran defender is yet to feature for Chelsea in the Premier League this season and is now no longer available for selection for England.

"I think it's time that I take a step back now," he told Chelsea's official website. "It's the right moment to do that. I've been hugely proud of what I've achieved, over 60 caps.

"I've captained my country on a few occasions, which has been a huge honour and something I've been really proud of.

"At the same time, in your football career you never want to shut a door completely. I've been hugely honoured to play for my country and if I'm ever needed, I'm there."

Cahill made his England debut in 2010 under Fabio Capello and turned out at three major tournaments for the Three Lions (2014 World Cup, Euro 2016 and 2018 World Cup).