Robinson rejects England recall

Paul Robinson has thrown his England recall back in the face of Fabio Capello and retired from International football.

Blackburn's goalkeeper had not played for is country for three years, since England's 2-1 defeat to Russia at the Luzhniki Stadium. Now, less than 24 hours after being named in a squad to face Hungary the 30 year old stopper has made the decision to call time on his England career.

Robinson told BBC Sport: "I feel it in the best interest of myself and my club Blackburn Rovers that I concentrate solely on my club football."

The former Tottenham Hotspur number one was first choice for England at the 2006 world cup. But after conceding those two Roman Pavlyuchenko goals in 2007 he fell out of favour and subsequently found himself behind David James, Joe Hart, Rob Green and Ben Foster. That position in the hierarchy did not appeal to Robinson as he says: "I don't see myself as a number three or four keeper and find that role very frustrating."

Questions will be asked as to why Robinson did not retire before now, but it appears the goalkeeper had put international caps to the back of his mind, a decision not required until he was in with a chance of playing: "Only now have I been able to make this decision as previously I haven't been in contention for selection."

Sam Allardyce had vociferously defended his 'keeper when he had been omitted from the World Cup squad saying that Capello: "has made the biggest mistake of his selection process."

'"There's not a better English goalkeeper who has consistently performed as well as he has. So it clearly can't be anything else other than something that Fabio has against him."

Robinson's recall had come at the expense of Green and James, but the FA have confirmed that Robinson will not be replaced in this squad. James has recently moved to Bristol City and the 40 year old's time in his countries rearguard now seems at an end. Green on the other hand looks to have been scapegoated for his howler against the USA when he allowed Clint Dempsey's weak effort to sneak through in a 1-1 draw.

Before today's retirement Robinson won 41 caps for the Three Lions and now, 10 years younger than David James, will have plenty of time to extend his club career. 

When England return to action against Hungary on Wednesday Ben Foster will be the senior goalkeeper at Capello's disposal. However, he must see off stiff competition from Joe Hart, the man he replaces between the sticks at Birmingham City.