Cole announces international retirement

After being given his debut by Terry Venables in 1995, whilst in the best form of his career at Newcastle United, Cole went on to make 15 appearances for his country, scoring just once in the World Cup qualifier against Albania last year.

The omission at the hands of Eriksson is the third occasion in succession when he has been left out of the squad for a major tournament, with a foot injury costing him his place in Euro 2000. 

"That's me finished England-wise now," Cole said. "I've made my mind up and there's no coming back.

"As far as I'm concerned, there's no way back for me and like I've always said when my time comes I'll step aside, and my time has come now."

Despite helping Manchester United to a host of success in the late 1990s Cole failed to secure a regular berth in the England squad, with doubts often raised about his ability to play at the highest level.

Indeed much to the player's chagrin former national coach Glenn Hoddle suggested he needed five or six chances to score at this level.

Often outspoken at his lack of chances, directing particular diatribe at former England captain Alan Shearer, even his current manager Graeme Souness suggested his inability to mix with other players would cost him a trip to the Far East.

It briefly seemed that he would finally get his chance for a run in the side under Eriksson with him scoring in the Swede's second competitive game in Albania, but after losing his place at Old Trafford - following Ruud van Nistelrooy's arrival - he also fell down the England pecking order.

The sparkling arrival of Darius Vassell on the international scene was the final nail in the coffin of Cole's chances of going to the World Cup as the fifth English striker.