• England News

Capello has been unfair - Crouch

Peter Crouch has scored 22 goals in 42 matches for England © Getty Images

Enlarge

Related Links

• News: Crouch won't turn back on England
  

Peter Crouch admits he was "bitterly disappointed" not to earn a place on England's bench for the 2-2 draw with Switzerland on Saturday.

The Tottenham striker was omitted from the matchday squad despite his laudable scoring record for England, which stands at 22 goals from 42 matches.

Reports after the game suggested that Crouch was willing to throw in the towel on his international career, but he insists he will carry on under Fabio Capello, who he has compared unfavourably to club manager Harry Redknapp.

"I was bitterly disappointed not to be involved," he told the Sun. "I had an inkling Darren Bent was going to start but assumed I'd at least be on the bench. It didn't cross my mind that I'd be watching from the stand and naturally it was frustrating.

"I only found out when the manager announced his line-up two hours before kick-off. If I'm left out of the team at Tottenham, Harry Redknapp will tell me why and let me know where I stand. But that's not Fabio Capello's style. He's not the sort of manager who puts his arms around his players.

"He's the same with everyone. He keeps himself quite distant from the players and that's something we've all had to adapt to and respect. It's not for me to tell Fabio Capello how to manage. He's had a tremendous amount of success working his way. It's pretty obvious the manager has made his decision and if I'm not his cup of tea, that's something I just have to live with.

"It doesn't look great for me. If I couldn't get into this squad, I might struggle when Wayne Rooney, Jermain Defoe and Andy Carroll are back. But I do feel I've been slightly unfairly treated because I've done well for England when given the opportunities."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.