Brown quits England duty

Manchester United defender Wes Brown has announced his retirement from international football.

Brown becomes the second player of the weekend to call time on his England career, despite being called up for Wednesday's friendly against Hungary, after goalkeeper Paul Robinson came to the same decision.

Fabio Capello had made a number of changes to his squad for the first match since a dismal World Cup campaign, with Brown among those brought back into the fold after missing out on selection for South Africa.

However, the Football Association has now confirmed the 30-year-old visited England's team hotel in Watford on Sunday night and told Capello he no longer wished to play for his country.

Brown also released a statement, saying: "After a lot of thought and with a very heavy heart, I have decided the time is right for me to retire from international football.

"At the age of 30 I feel it is right for me to stand aside and let younger players come through, which allows me to concentrate on my club career.

"I regard it as an honour and a privilege to have represented my country at every level from Under 15s upwards.

"I have always been very proud to play for England and wish them well in future tournaments."

Nobody has yet been called up to replace either Brown or Robinson in the squad to face Hungary.

Brown has struggled to establish himself as an England regular since making his debut in 1999, making just 23 appearances.

His progress has been hampered by a series of injuries, which have restricted his involvement at club level and made it difficult to press for international inclusion.

Brown, who went to the World Cup in 2002 without playing a game, will now focus on trying to force his way back into the United side.

He did not feature in the Community Shield on Sunday as the Red Devils beat Double winners Chelsea 3-1 at Wembley.