Scholes criticism

Question

Why so little criticism of Scholes' refusal to play for England?

One of the world's great players, our only central midfielder with the ability to go past people with the ball at his feet, and he doesn't fancy the trip to South Africa!

Ordinarily this kind of attitude attracts all kinds of fury from the tabloids and other meatheads, how is it that Scholesy escaped judgement?

Answer 1

I think it's because he announced his retirement in 2004. And when Scholes' mind is made up, that's it.

He's a family orientated man with a desire to stay out of the limelight. He also attracted criticism during his England days for failing to score for three years - why would he want similar hassle?

Sure, he could have been useful at the World Cup. But he'll want to be fresh for perhaps his last season at Old Trafford.