Ben Foster says, 'Fabio Capello was too serious'

04 March 2013 09:17

Ben Foster has revealed a more relaxed atmosphere under Roy Hodgson is one of the reasons for his return to the England set-up.

The 29-year-old West Brom goalkeeper announced last week he was making himself available for international selection having previously retired from England duty when Fabio Capello was in charge.

He said: "At the time it was very, very serious with Fabio Capello, we weren't allowed to go out of the hotel and we weren't allowed visitors."

He continued: "I was playing with a lot of niggles and my kids were born around that time as well, so they were about one and two so it was hard for me to go away for a week or 10 days and not see my kids or family. It was too much of a big miss."

Foster believes England players are enjoying life more under Hodgson, with whom he has previously worked at West Brom.

"With Roy in charge, that's a big draw for me," he said.

"I know what Roy is about and just from talking to a few of the lads since he took over he's so much more relaxed round the England set up and under Fabio it seemed to be a little bit too negative."

He added: "Roy has brought that factor of wanting to be there.

"Roy has brought a lot more optimism and the lads seem really happy to be called up and be involved now."

Source: PA