Neville Won't Go Quietly

Gary Neville insists he will never announce his international retirement and remains available if required.

The Manchester United full-back has 85 England caps to his name, with the first of those coming way back in 1995.

He has, however, gone over three years without an outing for his country, with his last appearance coming in a friendly against Spain in February 2007.

Many felt he was an outside bet to make Fabio Capello's squad for this summer's World Cup, due to his wealth of experience, but the Italian has preferred to look elsewhere.

Neville accepts that decision, with injuries having stacked up over recent years, but is adamant that he has no plans to pull himself out of contention.

"Playing for England is hard at times, you have to be very thick-skinned about it," the 35-year-old told The Times.

"But that's life and you have to remind yourself you are following a great tradition and a great line of players. I live in this country, I love this country. Why would I not want to represent it?

"I always said that I would never retire and I don't go along with international retirements, that's my stance. I respect the decisions of those who bow out because they feel they've given their all or for family reasons. That's what works for them.

"But I remember one player announcing his retirement about a year and a half after he'd last played. It's an empty gesture.

"As far as I'm concerned, it's the England manager who should retire players. They retire you. Maybe others haven't enjoyed it like me. Some don't want to be away and that's their agenda, their way of looking at it. But that's not me or what I believe in. I do think it's an honour."

Neville needs just one more cap to become the most decorated full-back in England's history and he is hoping to be given an opportunity to rewrite the history books in the future.

He recently penned a one-year extension to his Old Trafford contract and admits he would be willing to answer Capello's call should he be required for Euro 2012 qualifying duty in the autumn.

"If this is the end with England, I've no complaints," he added.

"But, yes, I'll be available for selection as long as I'm playing football."