Champions League influenced Gerrard’s England retirement

Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard admits the club’s return to the Champions League was one of the factors in his decision to retire from international football.

The 34-year-old was used judiciously by Reds manager Brendan Rodgers last season and as a result made 34 Premier League appearances.

With the additional demands of Europe’s elite club competition for the first time in five years, England’s third-highest appearance maker has decided now is a good time to bow out.