Seaman admits England career is over

Veteran goalkeeper David Seaman admitted that his England international career was as good as over.

Although the 39-year-old has not officially announced his international retirement, he said it was time to give David James, Paul Robinson and Chris Kirkland their chance to shine.

"The England thing has gone now," Seaman told BBC radio.

"I haven't been involved in the last two squads so in my heart I know it is time for one of the younger players to grab hold of the opportunity.

"I am not announcing my retirement. The day I do that is the day I retire from football. Everybody knows what I can do and if ever that is needed I am always there. But obviously Sven (England coach Eriksson) has the same thinking as me. It is time for someone else to have a go."

Seaman won the last of his 75 caps against Macedonia last October when he was criticised for the corner Artim Sakiri curled straight into the net during the disappointing 2-2 draw.

Eriksson left Seaman out of subsequent squads claiming uncertainty over the veteran's future meant there was no point picking him.

Seaman has now secured a one-year contract with Manchester City and could stay longer, but Eriksson overlooked him for the recent friendly win over Croatia and in the squad against Macedonia in Skopje next week.

For the first time since he made his international debut against Scotland in 1989, Seaman is free to concentrate on his club career, whichmeans a reunion with his former Arsenal team-mates at the City of Manchester Stadium.

The Blues have made an impressive start to the new campaign, even topping the Premiership for the first time, albeit only for 24 hours, following Monday's 3-2 triumph at Blackburn.