‘I didn’t actually mind playing on the left - but with England it was different, I just wasn’t enjoying playing for England. Do I regret stopping early? Yeah, I probably do’ Paul Scholes on why he REALLY retired from international duty

Paul Scholes celebrates after scoring for England against Portugal at Euro 2000.

For most players, earning 66 caps for England would be the culmination of years of hard graft and the realisation of their potential.

But while Paul Scholes enjoyed a trophy-laden domestic career with Manchester United and was one of the most talented players of his generation anywhere in the world, it’s hard to argue that his Three Lions career reflected the nature of his talent.