Campbell critical of Capello

16 June 2010 20:59

Sol Campbell has slammed England coach Fabio Capello for overlooking him for the World Cup finals.

Capello selected Rio Ferdinand and Ledley King in his 23-man squad for the finals and persuaded Jamie Carragher to come out of international retirement. Captain Ferdinand has since withdrawn with a knee problem, King has a groin injury and Carragher looked short of pace in the 1-1 draw with the United States.

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. He told ESPN Soccernet: "I wouldn't mind being out in South Africa with the England team. The way I have been playing for Arsenal, don't you think I should be? I do. For sure."

He added: "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.

"I played my heart out for Arsenal again and thought it was worthy of a chance with England. It never came.

"Surely, you pick people in the groove, and I was back in the groove, and I was fit. Instead, Capello picked a couple of half-fit players. It fell right for them. Not for me."

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.

"That I couldn't understand if he wasn't interested in going back to me.

"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.

"I was really, really hurt to be totally overlooked without even having an opportunity.

Source: PA