Paul Scholes is understood to have declined a surprise last-ditch attempt by Fabio Capello to lure him out of international retirement to play a part in England's World Cup squad.

Capello contacted Scholes, who has not played for his country since Euro 2004 but has 66 caps, to see whether he might follow Jamie Carragher's lead by emerging from his self-imposed international exile as the Italian finalised his provisional 30-man squad, announced formally at Wembley this afternoon.

Capello was minded to seek further experience to supplement his midfield ranks and that prompted contact with the 35-year-old Manchester United midfielder, although Scholes is not inclined to reverse his original decision.

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The national squad's options in central midfield are relatively limited with Gareth Barry included in the squad despite being out for the next four weeks with ankle ligament damage. Spurs' Tom Huddlestone, impressive this term, has one cap, against Brazil last November. Michael Carrick has not been a regular starter for United this term.

Capello and the England general manager, Franco Baldini, initially made contact with Scholes and Carragher upon taking up the reins with the national team 17 months ago to seek clarification on the reasons for both players' retirement from international football.

They were satisfied at the time that neither was likely to change his mind and did not intend to revisit the issue thereafter, though Carragher's stance has shifted slightly after a desperately disappointing season for Liverpool.

The England management team were made aware of that much and, having successfully reintegrated Carragher into their plans, sought clarification from Scholes on his intentions. Yet the United veteran does not appear to have shared the Liverpool defender's desire to emerge from exile.