But the 34-year-old midfielder could not hide his desire to be part of Fabio Capello's England revolution with his national team on the brink of qualification for next year's finals.
In that sense, he may be the perfect candidate for his latest post: Manager of England's national team.
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David Beckham's move to the Los Angeles Galaxy of Major League Soccer last summer was a big score for U.S. soccer and an even bigger one for the former captain of England's national team.
Whenever the England national team plays poorly, the old chestnut of an inability to maintain possession is aired once again.
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The national team toured England for the first time last month, winning five of its six matches - including all three against the second XIs of Glamorgan, Leicestershire and Essex.
Robinson played as a flanker for England and replaced Clive Woodward as coach of the national team in October 2004 but had a difficult 25 months in the post.
But Bracewell, who is scheduled to bring the Kiwis on tour here next year, believes England should take a leaf out of the national rugby union team's book.
Eriksson, the former England coach, is currently coach of Mexico's national team but is facing an uncertain future if they fail to beat USA in a vital World Cup qualifier on Wednesday.
New England boss McClaren is set to name the new captain of the national team on Friday.
BBC: SPORT | Football | Internationals | Benitez suggests Gerrard for role
Lewsey is the ninth member of England's 2003 World Cup-winning team to retire from national duty, although only Phil Vickery remains actively involved with Jonny Wilkinson injured and Mike Tindall, Ben Cohen, Steve Thompson and Ben Kay out of favour.
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