• Euro 2012

Barton slams Henderson's England selection

Joey Barton is unhappy with the England selection © Getty Images

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Joey Barton has hit out at Jordan Henderson's inclusion in England's Euro 2012 squad and claimed: "On ability, I walk into the squad, on behaviour, I don't..."

The QPR captain, writing on Twitter, said it was a "travesty" that Grant Holt, Micah Richards, Michael Carrick, Rio Ferdinand, Leon Osman and Daniel Sturridge "never got involved".

Taking to the social network during his holiday in Portugal, Barton said: "Why are people giving me loads [of abuse] about England, saying: 'Can't get in squad' etc?

"Everyone's thinking it, I'll say it. Liverpool have [had a] horrific season and have six players in our Euro squad. What chance do we have? Pick on form.

"If Henderson got in, any Englishman not currently in the squad has to feel aggrieved. Yes, I wish I was there but I'm not..."

Barton said he did not believe Roy Hodgson's side would win the tournament, "and it p***es me off".

He wrote: "If everyone stays fit, we've got a decent 11 once Rooney's back. If any of the key players get a knock, we are done for. Three games in eight/nine days takes its toll on the body.

"If a few are carrying injuries from a long domestic season, it will show. Not being pessimistic, just a realist.

"I am overqualified to pass judgement on this. Not only have I played in the Premier League for 10 years, but I've played with and against most of them."

Barton has been banned for 12 games after being sent off against Manchester City in the final game of last season. The 29-year-old reacted to the showing of the red card by aiming a kick at Sergio Aguero and a headbutt at Vincent Kompany.

He has been capped once for England, against Spain in a friendly in February 2007.

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