England captain Steven Gerrard announced he was retiring from international football after earning 114 caps over 14 years on this day in 2014.
The then 34-year-old midfielder decided to call it a day for his country after the disastrous 2014 World Cup campaign in Brazil, which was over after just two games following 2-1 Group D defeats by Italy and Uruguay.
Gerrard’s decision came as he contemplated the demands of another tilt at the Champions League with club Liverpool, who he helped to lift the trophy in 2005, after a five-year absence from the competition.
At the time, he was England’s third most-capped player behind Peter Shilton and David Beckham, although both he and Beckham have since been overtaken by Wayne Rooney.
Gerrard: It's a dream every time you put on the armband. I'm very proud to say I captained my country #ThankYouSteven pic.twitter.com/yYHphyLzWM
— England (@England) July 21, 2014
Speaking at the time, Gerrard said: “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.
“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 admitted his disappointment at Gerrard’s decision, but saluted his contribution to the national team.
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.
“He is an incredible man and a fantastic footballer who we have all been blessed to see in an England shirt so often.”
Gerrard made his senior international debut in a friendly against Ukraine in May 2000 under Kevin Keegan, and scored the first of his 21 goals in a 5-1 World Cup qualifier victory in Germany in September the following year.
He represented England at six major tournaments and made his final appearance as a substitute in a 0-0 draw with Costa Rica in Belo Horizonte in June 2014.
