Stoke City striker, http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/England-c749 squad for the European Championships, but carries no ill feelings towards the national manager, Roy Hodgson.
The Englishman overlooked the lanky forward while naming his 23-man contingent for the Euros 2012 in http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Liverpool-c39809 in the closing stages of the previous
season.
The English International, who has capped 42 appearances for the Three Lions and got 22 international goals under his belt, was reportedly included in the standby squad.
However, he communicated his apprehensions over his second-choice status in the team, and refused to play second fiddle in Hodgson’s plans.
Earlier, the Three Lions boss confirmed the notion by saying that Crouch was only willing to be included in the squad, if he was assured of his participation in the coveted European event.
Nonetheless, the Potters hit-man unravelled his disappointment on being overlooked by Hodgson.
He claimed that his impressive performance for Stoke last season merited a call-up in the national team, and he conveyed his disquiet to the manager.
“He wanted me to play in one of the friendlies before the Euros then go home. I'll be honest, I was bitterly disappointed not to be called up to the full squad and I think understandably so. We had a conversation but I think that should remain between me
and the manager,” he told the reporters.
Despite expressing his chagrin over being snubbed for the Euros, the 31-year old refused to call it quits to his international career.
He said that playing for his country has always remained his highest priority throughout his career, and he will avail any opportunity which comes his way in the future.
“Playing for my country is the best thing I've ever done in my career and I will never rule that out. If I get a chance to play for my country again I'll grab it with both hands. I'm not too concerned with it,” he added.
Crouch has represented England in the 2006 and 2010 World Cups. He last played for his country in a friendly match against http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/France-c2899 in November 2010.
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