Jamie Vardy and Gary Cahill step down from England duty

Leicester forward Jamie Vardy and Chelsea defender Gary Cahill are to step aside from England duty.

Both players said the decision came to free up the space for England manager Gareth Southgate to continue bringing youth into the team.

However, they each said the door is not completely shut on them returning to international football.

Vardy, 31, who has won 26 international caps, said: "I'm not getting any younger and you can see, to be fair to the gaffer, he wants to make it more youthful, which obviously had its benefits during the World Cup.

"Gareth said that he felt I still had a lot to offer, and we've not shut the door completely," said Vardy, who scored seven goals in an England shirt.

"If the worst came to happen and everyone was injured, then obviously I wouldn't say no."

Cahill, 32, has played for England 61 times and has captained the side on a number of occasions. He spoke to Chelsea TV: "I can see it is now going to a younger generation and I think it is the perfect time for me to take a step back," Cahill told Chelsea TV.

"I've been hugely honoured to play for my country and I would never shut the door.

"I've said that if there are injuries in the future and I'm needed to come and play then, of course, I'm available."