http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/8987237.stm

Does everyone else think that this is solely so that he can retain his sponsors who would drop him if he were never to play again?

Not at all, he's one of the few players that seem completely passionate about playing for their country. He'd be ok as a 10 minute sub or for a bit of experience to help slow games down and keep possession.

I think he can still do a job for England. Who better to knock a few crosses over in the last 15 minutes if we're desperate for a goal.

There may be an ego element in there, with him wanting to be England's most capped player, but I also believe his passion for the national side is genuine. He covers more ground than just about anyone else, what with tracking back to assist the back four, so you can't fault his work rate. His crossing ability can still help split the play and and wrong-foot the oppostion's defence.

So, yeah, I think he should be retained at least as a option on the bench.

Maybe he does like playing for the nation, but with out even the possibility of an appearance his sponsorship deals will become much less lucrative.