Paul Scholes Turns Down World Cup Opportunity

After another remarkable season in the Premier League, Scholes impressed Fabio Capello enough for him to earn a World Cup call-up.

But now aged 35 the current Manchester United midfielder who has 66 caps for his country felt his time as an International came to an end in August 2004.

Since then he turned down an offer from then England Coach Steve McClaren and now again by Fabio Capello.

Capello while discussing the preliminary squad said: "We have been monitoring him. In the second part of the season, he played very well. I tried to convince him to come back to England but he said no. He prefers to stay with the family."

The result of Scholes rejecting an offer to play for England might have turned Capello's attention towards Joe Cole whose been impressive both for Chelsea and England since his return from injury.

"Joe Cole played with us before his injury and every time I was impressed," Capello said.

"I followed him when he started to play again after the injury. He did not play so well but in the last two months he was getting better and better. Sometimes he has not played because Carlo picked other players but always when he played he was good, and I think he is really fit now."

Scholes who signed a new one-year contract in April will look to continue playing club football at least until next season.

His contribution this season has seen him make a surprising 38th appearance in all competitions with 28 of them being in the League. Although substituted at times, his form has been an example to the young kids looking to establish themselves at the club.

Just the idea that Capello attempted in bringing him back to the England set-up shows what a world-class player he truly is.