Gareth Southgate says ‘door is open’ for Jamie Vardy if he makes U-turn on international retirement

England manager Gareth Southgate has been in talks with Jamie Vardy to make it clear he will be welcomed back to the squad if he makes a U-turn on his international retirement.

The 2019-20 Golden Boot winner, who is 33, told Southgate two years ago that he no longer wished to be considered for selection, and he isn’t included for the forthcoming UEFA Nations League games against Denmark and Belgium and the friendly against Wales on Thursday.

But with Vardy showing no signs of losing his potency, with five goals already this season, Southgate has made it clear that the Leicester striker will be back in the squad if he makes himself available. 

Leicester striker Jamie Vardy has been retired from international football for the past two years

Vardy continues to scores goals for fun for the Foxes and won last year’s Golden Boot

Gareth Southgate says he would be willing to call up Vardy if he ever changes his mind

It means Vardy could yet make a return for next summer’s European championships.

Southgate said: ‘We have spoken at various times over the last 18 months just to keep in touch. From my point of view just to reiterate that that door is open and my job is to pick the best team with the best players. 

‘He was the top goalscorer in the Premier League last year so my stance on it has never changed.’