Source: Team_Talk
Baines surprised by England snub
Everton defender Leighton Baines has revealed his "massive disappointment" and surprise at being left out of England's World Cup squad.[LNB] But the 23-year-old has slammed speculation that homesickness was to blame for him being overlooked by Fabio Capello.[LNB]Baines lost out to Aston Villa's Stephen Warnock for the number two left-back position behind Ashley Cole despite playing the warm-up international against Mexico.[LNB]Warnock did not feature in either that game or the final friendly with Japan but was preferred to Baines when Capello reduced his initial squad from 30 to 23.[LNB]Baines told Everton's official website: "I must admit it was a massive disappointment and something of a surprise even though, like most of the lads in the squad, I knew full well that I wasn't guaranteed a place.[LNB]"I was feeling low because I knew I hadn't played my best against Mexico and I spoke to a reporter I know about how the game had gone.[LNB]"At the end of the conversation I was asked if I was missing the family while we were away, and I said I was but that it's all part and parcel of being a footballer.[LNB]"I'm not embarrassed to admit that being away from the family is difficult at times but I'm not the only player who feels that.[LNB]"It's natural when you've got a young family and you're away from home for long spells so I was shocked when I read some of the reports that later surfaced.[LNB]"I'd never mentioned the word 'homesick' once. I felt that my comments had been misconstrued and I came across as a bit of a moaner, which is not like me at all."[LNB]Baines added: "I was as desperate to make the plane as every other member of the squad and my family was 100% behind me, so I was bitterly disappointed when Mr Capello told me that I wouldn't be going.[LNB]"It was a football reason though and had nothing to do with anything written in the newspapers. I respected his decision and wished him and the lads all the best for the tournament."
