BEN Foster’s decision to put his England career on ice was based on three key factors.

Foster announced he was taking a sabbatical from national duty primarily in order to prolong his club career by giving his body better quality recovery time.

But he also recognised that Joe Hart, with age on his side, would likely be the Three Lions’ first choice for years to come and he would have to make do with bench-warming duties.

And 28-year-old Foster has wanted to be around his young family more.

Foster has not closed the door on an international return completely and steered clear from using the word ‘retirement’ when making a statement.

But England are likely to move on and put the focus towards other goalkeepers to challenge Manchester City’s Hart, who was Foster’s on-loan predecessor at St Andrew’s.

“Performing at the highest level game in, game out and particularly when there’s been as many matches as this season really takes it out of your body,” said Foster, who has been troubled by a back injury this season.

“It’s no secret I’ve had a few niggling injuries and that I’ve had to pull out of the last few England squads because of that.

“I’ve spoken to the management team and coaches here at Blues and told them what I want to do but it’s also very important I say just how much I have loved playing for England and being part of the set-up.

“I’ve enjoyed my time with England and I am certainly not closing a door on the international side of things forever but this is the right thing for me to do in terms of club football.

“Inevitably, every time I’ve had the opportunity to give my body a rest there has been an international fixture and the demands that come with that.”

Foster has five England caps and last appeared for Fabio Capello’s side in November, when he started the 2-1 defeat by France at Wembley.