on 8 august 2010, robinson retired from international football with immediate effect, despite having been selected for a friendly against hungary. he said about his retirement, "only now have i been able to make this decision as previously i haven't been in contention for selection, i don't see myself as a number three or four keeper and find that role very frustrating," while allardyce backed his decision, stating, "as my player, i support him because i see him week in, week out and know how well he has performed. it's a big decision he's made, but i understand it." in his international career, robinson had won 41 caps for england, 25 of which came in competitive international matches (either the qualification or final rounds of the fifa world cup and the uefa european championship). despite steve kean stating that england should recall him in march 2012, robinson stated that he had no interest in a return later that month. in february 2014, robinson said that he would be open to an international return for the 2014 fifa world cup if england manager roy hodgson decided to recall him.