Recalled Robinson quits England
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England goalkeeper Paul Robinson announced his international retirement hours after being recalled to the squad yesterday, disrupting Fabio Capello's plans for Wednesday's friendly against Hungary.
Capello planned to use the match to usher in a new era following England's woeful World Cup. He will now have only two goalkeepers to choose from after deciding not to replace the 30-year-old Blackburn keeper.
Robinson, who was England's No. 1 at the 2006 World Cup, did not want to be behind Joe Hart and Ben Foster in the pecking order.
"As a professional who wants every chance to play football, I do not see myself as No. 3 or 4 goalkeeper," Robinson said. "I find that role very frustrating. I haven't had the opportunity to be anything other than this in recent years."
Robinson missed the cut for South Africa having not played for England since 2007. He was brought back into the fold on Saturday after Capello decided to drop 40-year-old David James and Robert Green, whose blunder in the World Cup opener gifted the United States an equalizer.
It was Robinson's mistakes during the failed qualifying campaign for the 2008 European Championship that cost him a place in the starting XI. The last of his 41 England appearances was in a 1-2 defeat to Russia in October 2007.
But Robinson has impressed again since joining Blackburn from Tottenham in July 2008.
"I feel it in the best interest of myself and my club, Blackburn Rovers, that I concentrate solely on my club football," he said. "I wish the (England) team every success."
England's Euro 2012 qualifying campaign begins in September with matches against Bulgaria and Switzerland.
Uncapped Arsenal youngsters Jack Wilshere and Kieran Gibbs and Fulham forward Bobby Zamora were named in the England squad.
Only 10 of the 23 players on duty in South Africa were included in the 23-man group named by Capello on Saturday though the core of his World Cup team remain.
Wes Brown, Gary Cahill and Phil Jagielka have been given the chance to stake a defensive claim while Ashley Young, Darren Bent and Carlton Cole will vie with Zamora to accompany Wayne Rooney up front.
Theo Walcott and Adam Johnson were also recalled.
Wednesday's Wembley match is Capello's only chance to experiment with a new line-up before qualifying begins for the 2012 European championship.
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