England manager Steve McClaren has revealed he has twice asked
Manchester United midfielder Paul Scholes to come out of
international retirement.
Scholes quit the international scene in 2004 but McClaren wants the
31-year-old to change his mind.
"I asked in the summer and he declined and he declined again last
week," he told BBC Five Live's Sportsweek.
"I don't expect to be asking him again but the door is always open
and I would never close it on Paul Scholes."
McClaren said: "He just wants to concentrate on playing for United
and his family, which were the reasons for his decision and I
respect that."
At 31, Scholes is the same age as David Beckham, who has not played
for England since McClaren took over as manager.
Striker Wayne Rooney is back in the England fold following
suspension and McClaren said he is not worried by the 20-year-old's
stuttering form.
"He is a world-class player and he is a player who at any moment
can change a game," said McClaren.
