Jamie Vardy and Gary Cahill step down from England duty

    Leicester forward Jamie Vardy and Chelsea defender Gary Cahill are to step aside from England duty.

    Both players said the decision came to free up the space for England manager Gareth Southgate to continue bringing youth into the team.

    However, they each said the door is not completely shut on them returning to international football.

    Vardy, 31, who has won 26 international caps, said: "I'm not getting any younger and you can see, to be fair to the gaffer, he wants to make it more youthful, which obviously had its benefits during the World Cup.

    "Gareth said that he felt I still had a lot to offer, and we've not shut the door completely," said Vardy, who scored seven goals in an England shirt.

    "If the worst came to happen and everyone was injured, then obviously I wouldn't say no."

    Cahill, 32, has played for England 61 times and has captained the side on a number of occasions. He spoke to Chelsea TV: "I can see it is now going to a younger generation and I think it is the perfect time for me to take a step back," Cahill told Chelsea TV.

    "I've been hugely honoured to play for my country and I would never shut the door.

    "I've said that if there are injuries in the future and I'm needed to come and play then, of course, I'm available."

    More from Sport

    Listener Club

    Get more with the Listener Club!

    • Legal Show Legal Show

      Once a fortnight we dedicate a show to discussing legal issues and family / matrimonial law in particular. Alternate Friday mornings between 9am-11pm.

    • Bhangra Nights Bhangra Nights

      Get over the Weekday blues - Every Tuesday night is party night with the best Bhangra and Urban Asian Beats. The Bhangra Show every Tuesday between 8pm-11pm

    • Remix Saturdays Remix Saturdays

      Every Saturday evening we turn to remixes of hit songs to get you in the Saturday night party mood! Every Saturday between 5pm - 8pm

    • Alim OnAir Alim OnAir

      Have you a question about the religious, cultural or tradition aspect of Islam? Then join Hazrat Maulana Fazal Dad in the weekly show every Friday between 8-9pm.