Gary Cahill has announced his decision to take a "step back" from the England team to focus on his Chelsea career.

The 32-year-old defender, who was the most capped member of Gareth Southgate's squad in Russia this summer, has struggled to force his way into Maurizio Sarri's first team so far this season.

And ahead of the announcement of the squad for the start of the Uefa Nations League later this week Cahill has told Southgate he doesn't want to be considered for the time being at least.

"It's time to take a step back," he told Chelsea TV. I feel it's the right moment to do that. If I'm ever needed in the future then obviously I'm there."

Belgium vs England World Cup player ratings Show all 22 1 /22 Belgium vs England World Cup player ratings Belgium vs England World Cup player ratings <b>Belgium:</b> Thibaut Courtois - 7 out of 10 Had little to do and was most threatened by his own player’s touch on a free kick that he gathered with minimal fuss AP Belgium vs England World Cup player ratings Toby Alderweireld - 7 out of 10 A brilliant off the line clearance denied England an equaliser before Belgium’s second. Solid when called upon after little to do in the rest of the match Getty Images Belgium vs England World Cup player ratings Vincent Kompany - 7 out of 10 Had little to do and coped well with the pace of Raheem Sterling that has given many a defence problems this tournament AFP/Getty Images Belgium vs England World Cup player ratings Jan Vertonghen - 7 out of 10 Other than a shaky moment that lacked communication at an England set piece, he had little to do against a tired Harry Kane. AFP/Getty Images Belgium vs England World Cup player ratings Thomas Meunier - 8 out of 10 A real threat for Belgium going down the right flank and got on the scoresheet for the opener. He was a big miss for Belgium in their semi-final REUTERS Belgium vs England World Cup player ratings Axel Witsel - 7 out of 10 A physical presence in midfield that allowed time and space for De Bruyne. An impressive World Cup for a player plying his trade in China REUTERS Belgium vs England World Cup player ratings Youri Tielemans - 7 out of 10 An exciting young talent that caused England’s midfield all kinds of problems. A star of the future gaining valuable experience on the world stage REUTERS Belgium vs England World Cup player ratings Nacer Chadli - 7 out of 10 Made a bright start to the game and assisted Thomas Meunier’s opener, before picking up a hamstring injury, the latest in a string that have held back his career Getty Images Belgium vs England World Cup player ratings Kevin De Bruyne - 8 out of 10 A constant thorn in England’s side and given far too much space to pull the strings, created Meunier’s opener and looked a class above EPA Belgium vs England World Cup player ratings Eden Hazard - 8 out of 10 His pace and power caused problems, and were it not for a flying block from John Stones, he could have easily found the net in the first half, and eventually did in the second AFP/Getty Images Belgium vs England World Cup player ratings Romelu Lukaku - 6 out of 10 Had some chances to increase the scoreline for his side but was one touch away from a goal. A bit like Kane has struggled towards the end of the tournament Getty Images Belgium vs England World Cup player ratings <b>England:</b> Jordan Pickford - 7 out of 10 Looked assured for the most part, but Meunier’s shinned effort did take a touch off of the ‘keepers leg, leaving him wishing he’d moved the slightest touch to the left. Getty Images Belgium vs England World Cup player ratings Phil Jones - 6 out of 10 The weaker of the defenders and less comfortable on the ball. Contributed to the first goal by committing too early and leaving his teammates with a huge area to mark AFP/Getty Images Belgium vs England World Cup player ratings John Stones - 7 out of 10 Assured on the ball and confident Stones has had a World Cup that reasserts his talent and his place at a leading Premier league club EPA Belgium vs England World Cup player ratings Harry Maguire - 7 out of 10 Solid in defence and at time played well coming into midfield. He had a couple of half-chances from free kicks and always won his headers, looking for someone to capitalise on the knock downs AFP/Getty Images Belgium vs England World Cup player ratings Kieran Trippier - 8 out of 10 Offered great deliveries from set pieces once again, and despite the quality of Belgium, looked up to the task. Lacked the energy of his teammates to react to his deliveries PA Belgium vs England World Cup player ratings Eric Dier - 6 out of 10 Left with a lot to do in midfield against De Bruyne and co, and had an awful start, but did improve towards the end of the game and managed to find more balance in his play REUTERS Belgium vs England World Cup player ratings Fabian Delph - 6 out of 10 Found himself with some space in midfield going forward and scuffed a couple of shots – not his strong point. The struggled to help Dier in a holding role leaving De Bruyne with acres of space REUTERS Belgium vs England World Cup player ratings Danny Rose - 6 out of 10 Looked a shadow of his form last season, and was rightly second choice compared to Ashley Young this tournament. Replaced at half-time. AP Belgium vs England World Cup player ratings Ruben Loftus-Cheek - 7 out of 10 The dangerman for England, he offered pace, trickery and a fearlessness to beat his man. On this performance he should be given a chance to fulfil his potential at Chelsea Getty Images Belgium vs England World Cup player ratings Raheem Sterling - 6 out of 10 Despite his impressive movement and pace, he took too long on the ball and was replaced at half-time AFP/Getty Images Belgium vs England World Cup player ratings Harry Kane - 6 out of 10 Looked short of pace and energy and had a really good chance in the first half. Looks to have ran out of steam but can look back on a successful World Cup Getty Images

Cahill saw Harry Maguire selected ahead of him in central defence in Russia with his final Three Lions appearance coming against Belgium in the third-place play-off.

The news follows Jamie Vardy's decision to also call time on his own international career.

The Leicester striker won 26 caps for his country but does not look like adding to that tally after choosing, like Cahill, to focus on the domestic game.

"To be honest with you, this has been on my mind for a while," he told The Guardian.

"I'm not getting any younger and you can see, to be fair to the gaffer, he wants to make it more youthful, which obviously had its benefits during the World Cup - we got to the semi-finals and finished fourth, which is equal to the furthest we have ever been on foreign soil.