Scholes Rejects International Return

Won't Be Budged
By Chris O'Brien
October 2 2006

England boss Steve McClaren tried, unsuccessfully, to lure Paul Scholes out of international retirement. The midfielder has not played for his country since 2004 and seemingly has no intention of making a return for the Three Lions.

England boss Steve McClaren has revealed that he has twice asked Manchester United star Paul Scholes to come out of international retirement.

The 31-year-old midfielder quit the international scene in 2004 and numerous pundits have bemoaned the player's absence following England's disappointing showing at the recent World Cup finals in Germany.

"I asked in the summer and he declined and he declined again last week," said McClaren, who formed a good relationship with Scholes during his days as United assistant.

"I don't expect to be asking him again but the door is always open and I would never close it on Paul Scholes."

Scholes made some 66 appearances for his country, netting 14 goals in the process, but a return to the famous white jersey look increasingly unlikely.