Scholes rules out U-turn

Paul Scholes celebrates scoring against Croatia at Euro 2004

Paul Scholes insists he will not play for England again - despite a plea from coach Sven-Goran Eriksson for him to come out of international retirement.

The midfielder, 29, ended his England career after Euro 2004 to concentrate on playing for Manchester United.

He said: "I have no regrets about my decision and I don't think there is any chance of me changing my mind.

"Sven said the door would always be open to come back but I am not sure I will be taking up his offer."

Scholes scored 14 goals in 66 games for his country - but he came in for criticism in the final months of his international career.

I don't think there is any chance of me changing my mind Paul Scholes

He said that the criticism and the frustration of going three years without a goal for England - a drought that ended in Portugal against Croatia - had helped make up his mind.

But he is now fully focused on winning trophies with United and he insists they are not out of the Premiership race this season, despite a slow start.

"It is ridiculous to suggest that. We have only played a handful of games," Scholes added.

"We never really start well. Two years ago, we had a bad five months but picked things up in the second half of the season and won the League.

"Hopefully, we can repeat that this time. One thing is for certain - we aren't finished yet."

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