Campbell blast for Capello

16 June 2010 21:46
Former England centre-back Sol Campbell slammed coach Fabio Capello for overlooking him for the World Cup.[LNB] The 35-year-old central defender felt he was worthy of being chosen especially as Capello opted to include "a couple of half-fit players".[LNB]The Italian selected Rio Ferdinand and Ledley King, who had been struggling with injury, in his 23-man squad for the finals and persuaded Jamie Carragher to come out of international retirement.[LNB]Captain Ferdinand has since withdrawn with a knee problem, King is now undergoing treatment for a groin injury and Carragher looked short of pace when brought on as a half-time substitute in the opening 1-1 draw with the United States.[LNB]Campbell revived his career at Arsenal during the second half of last season after rejoining the Gunners on a short-term contract, which has now expired.[LNB]He told ESPN Soccernet: "I wouldn't mind being out in South Africa with the England team.[LNB]"The way I have been playing for Arsenal, don't you think I should be? I do. For sure.[LNB]"Regrets? You could say that. I regret the fact that the England camp didn't think of me. I would have put my heart and soul into playing for my country again.[LNB]"I played my heart out for Arsenal again and thought it was worthy of a chance with England. It never came.[LNB]"Surely, you pick people in the groove, and I was back in the groove, and I was fit.[LNB]"Instead, Capello picked a couple of half-fit players. It fell right for them. Not for me."[LNB]Campbell added: "I can understand if Capello was thinking 'this guy is for England's past' but then he went back for a couple of players who had retired from international football.[LNB]"That I couldn't understand if he wasn't interested in going back to me.[LNB]"Not only that, Capello has gone for one centre half who didn't have a very good season, and another who just missed out on relegation.[LNB]"It's crazy when you think about it, that I would have done anything for crack at it, but never did.[LNB]"I was really, really hurt to be totally overlooked without even having an opportunity.[LNB]"I have been playing with England teams since I was 15 years old. I have won 74 England caps - been there, got the T-shirt - and it's experience that counts at this level as well."

Source: Team_Talk