Lesser known facts about Paul Scholes

4. National team regrets

Paul Scholes never managed to replicate his club form at the international level. However, with the turn of the century, Scholes became a prominent player in England’s midfield, becoming a first-choice selection for the 2002 World Cup.

Immediately prior to Euro 2004, however, Scholes was played out of position on the left of midfield. This was done in order to accommodate the pairing of Steven Gerrard and Frank Lampard in central midfield.

Therefore, Scholes was forced to start on the left for the last five matches of his international career. Thereafter, Scholes announced his retirement from international football in August 2004, citing his family life and his club career with Manchester United as being more important.

On 7 June 2010, Scholes revealed had Capello given him more time and had asked earlier than he would have probably taken the opportunity to make a comeback. On 27 July 2010, Scholes then revealed his disappointment in not taking the opportunity to play at another World Cup, saying he might have made a mistake.

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Sitam Chaki