Jamie Vardy won the last of his 26 England caps in their 2018 World Cup semi-final loss against Croatia but insists the door is not totally shut on a return.
The Leicester forward was handed his debut by Roy Hodgson in May 2015 against the Republic of Ireland.
A year later he helped Leicester win the unlikeliest of Premier League titles, scoring 24 times, but was never able to make the centre forward position his own at international level.
In August 2018 he told Three Lions boss Gareth Southgate that he no longer wanted to be considered for selection.
Despite now being 33 Vardy is playing some of the best football of his career at the King Power under Brendan Rodgers which has led to rumours of an international return.
But he has cited the rest period afforded to him in the summer as a major plus - a luxury he would not get were he playing in international tournaments with England.
Vardy is also aware of the young talent currently flourishing and is conscious that his involvement would prevent them from getting an opportinity.
“We’ve never totally closed the door, we made that clear,” the forward told the Athletic.
“But there are a lot of really good, young England forwards out there and they’d benefit more — just say if I was there getting picked, I’m taking one of their places.
"But I’ve definitely benefitted from getting a full summer, relaxing, just completely clearing your head. It just gives your body and your mind a complete shut-off.”
Vardy scored seven goals for England, the last of those coming in March 2018 during a friendly against Italy.
His goals in a comeback win against Germany as well as his equaliser against Wales at Euro 2016 will live long in the memory of Three Lions fans though.
