By Chris O'Brien
August 3 2004

Manchester United midfielder Paul Scholes has announced his shock retirement from international football. At the age of just 29, the European Championship defeat against Portugal will be the Lancastrian's last in the England jersey. Paul Scholes has shocked the nation by announcing his retirement from international football. At the age of just 29, the Manchester United star has decided that the penalty shoot-out defeat at the hands of Portugal during the European Championships will be his last wearing the three lions.

"This wasn't a sudden decision. I have been thinking about it for some time. In this way I will have more time for my private life and my family,” said the midfielder.

“After debuting in 1997 and having played in the most important competitions with the best players and coaches, I think it's time to quit.”

Scholes has been an invaluable part of the England set-up since his first international appearance in 1997 and since that time has played in 4 major tournaments. He has notched up 66 caps in that time, and despite a recent goal drought has found the net 14 times for his country.

England boss Sven Goran Eriksson praised Scholes for his performances in the England jersey, with the Lancastrian having picked up 36 of his international caps under the Swede.

Eriksson announced: "Paul and I have been speaking about this since Euro 2004 and, while he remained a key part of my plans for the England team, I fully respect his decision”

The decision will mean Scholes has more chance to concentrate on his Red Devils career where he hopefully plans to play for a good few seasons yet. With all that is going on at the FA at the moment, this will be further bad news with the attacking-minded player usually one of the first names on the England team sheet.