Tom Ince: Snubbing the England U-21s does NOT mean I'll miss out on senior call-up

TOM INCE has defended his decision to retire from England Under-21 duty but is adamant that he would never turn down the chance to represent his country at full international level.

Tom InceGETTY

Tom Ince has stuck by his decision to shun the England U21s

The forward has been severely criticised after refusing to make himself available for Gareth Southgate's future squad.

But he claims that was the right choice and gives others the chance to shine on the international stage.

"People were very quick to judge," said Ince. "I'm 23 years of age and I've played 20-odd times for the under-21s.

"It's like anything when you're in a job – sometimes you move on. It got to that stage when I felt I was a bit in limbo.

"I wanted to concentrate on my club football, because that had been up and down. I hadn't played consistently in a year. I'd been on loan here and there.

"I felt if I could focus on my club football and keep doing what I'm doing for Derby County at the minute, that would be the best thing for me."

Ince's famous dad Paul is an England legend and he hopes his decision will not stop him from representing his country too.

"I don't think it will," he said. "I think as long as I keep exciting people and scoring goals, no matter what level that is, I've got a chance.

Tom Ince DerbyGETTY

Tom Ince says his focus is on his club football

"It's up to other people's decisions but all I can do is focus on what I do on the football pitch.

"If you're not playing well at club level, you don't get picked for your national side. It's as simple as that.

All I can do is concentrate on my club football and let the rest take care of itself

Tom Ince

"If you're not performing on a week-to-week basis, you've got no chance.

"All I can do is concentrate on my club football and let the rest take care of itself.

"I'm not going to sit here and say I don't want to play for England in the future. That's ludicrous.

"My old man was capped by his country 50-odd times, so why would I want to be any different?

"For me, I was in a situation where I was the oldest man in the under-21 squad and I felt it was time to let someone younger take the opportunity."

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