5 English players who retired early because of injuries

#2 Dean Aston

Ashton had an injury-ravaged career at West Ham

The former English player retired at 26 after struggling with chronic ankle injuries.

The former West Ham man was poised to become one of England’s great forwards before the career-threatening tackle by Shaun Wright-Phillips.

Ashton scored 19 goals in 53 appearances for West Ham having risen to limelight with his successful time at Norwich City.

The Swindon born English forward is a product of the Crewe Alexandra Youth Team, rising from the ranks to become Crewe's second all-time highest goal scorer with 74 goals in 2005.

Ashton became Norwich City's record signing in 2005, after moving from Crewe Alexandra for a fee of £3 million.