Cole quits England

Cole has failed to make an impact for England

England striker Andy Cole has announced his retirement from international football after being omitted from the World Cup squad.

The Blackburn striker told the Lancashire Evening Telegraph newspaper: "That's me finished England-wise now - I've made my mind up and there's no coming back.

"My brother will be pleased that I can attend his wedding now!"

Blackburn's Matt Jansen

"As far as I'm concerned, there's no way back for me now and like I've always said, when my time comes I'll step aside, and my time has come now."

Former Manchester United striker Cole has failed to feature in any of England's recent games.

Cole's Blackburn colleague Matt Jansen also failed to make Sven-Goran Eriksson's 23-man party for the World Cup finals.

Jansen dropped out against Paraguay

Jansen had been included in an England squad for the first time for last month's friendly against Paraguay, but cried off at the last moment with a stomach bug.

"I'm obviously bitterly disappointed but I hadn't played a game for England so maybe I'd left it a bit too late," said Jansen who was watched by Eriksson on Wednesday during Blackburn's 4-3 defeat at Liverpool.

Who has been left out?

"I'm obviously in their thoughts and hopefully in the future there will be lots of chances for me," he added.

"I thought there was a chance but it's not to be. If I keep playing well - I am only 24 - hopefully there will be a chance for me.

"My brother will be pleased that I can attend his wedding now!"

Trevor Sinclair put on a brave face after missing out, and admitted he had not quite done enough to impress manager Sven-Goran Eriksson.

"I had a few caps and I gave it everything on and off the pitch, but it just wasn't quite good enough.

Trevor Sinclair will aim to take part in Euro 2004

"In the games I played in, I have not quite made the impact I could have, although it is difficult to make that grade - everyone there is a good athlete and all quick in the mind.

"To make a telling contribution at international level is more difficult than it is in the Premiership.

"I have not quite had a massive effect on a game for England. I have not cracked it 100% at that level."

West Ham manager Glenn Roeder praised Sinclair for the way he handled the disappointing news.

"He has taken it manfully, and in the right manner, because he is a mature person.