Chelsea captain John Terry announced his retirement from international football, saying the decision by the Football Association to charge him had "made my position untenable".
Terry will face a hearing from the FA on the racial storm caused with Anton Ferdinand, despite being found not guilty in a court of law in the summer.
"I am today announcing my retirement from international football," Terry said in a statement. "I would like to thank the England managers who have selected me for my 78 caps.
"I have had great pleasure in sharing that honour with all the players that I've played with.
"I would like to thank them, the fans and my family for their support and encouragement during my international career.
"Representing and captaining my country is what I dreamed of as a boy and it has been a truly great honour. I have always given my all and it breaks my heart to make this decision. I want to wish Roy and the team every success for the future.
"I am making this statement today in advance of the hearing of the FA disciplinary charge because I feel The FA, in pursuing charges against me where I have already been cleared in a court of law, have made my position with the national team untenable.
"I now look forward to playing for Chelsea FC, and challenging for domestic and European honours, and I want to thank the fans and the club for their continued support."
The decision will also come as a big blow to England manager Roy Hodgson, who had stood by the defender, picking him for Euro 2012 over Rio Ferdinand, Anton's brother, and also selecting him for this month's World Cup qualifiers.
Hodgson clearly had Terry in his plans and will be disappointed to have the option taken away from him by the 31-year-old's decision to retire.
Former Chelsea player and assistant coach Ray Wilkins said he was shocked by the announcement. "He's an outstanding player and in the dressing room he's an outstanding character," Wilkins said on Sky Sports News. "On the pitch he does what the manager requires and that's to lead from the front.
"(Former England manager) Fabio Capello had a massive fall-out with the FA over John because he realised how important he was to our national team.
"I feel very sad for Roy Hodgson in that Roy made it pretty evident he wanted John to be there and be his center-half. We've got to qualify for the World Cup in Brazil and this is a massive blow.
"It's a massive loss. You will see the loss it will be when John finally has to hang up his boots for Chelsea. To replace a character who has been in that dressing room for such a long period -- and has performed at such a consistent level for that period -- is very, very difficult indeed."
