Stewart Downing has crticised England manager Fabio Capello for leaving him out of his World Cup squad without explanation.
The Aston Villa winger's hopes of making the trip to South Africa had been in doubt after he missed the start of last season as he recovered from a broken ankle and then struggled to recapture his best form, scoring just three goals in all competitions.
Downing did not even make Capello's initial 30-man squad for the tournament but the 26-year-old was still left disappointed with the manner of his omission.
"A lot of people who had not played were in the squad as were people out of form - but others were left out," said Downing. "It was a little strange and I was very disappointed as I thought, maybe, I had a chance to get in the 30 at least.
"He obviously has his reasons why but the disappointing thing was I didn't get told why I wasn't in the squad.
"That's his choice and there's no point in moaning about it now," he added in The Sun.
The former Middlesbrough midfielder also feels that if Villa were to sell James Milner to Manchester City for a reported fee of around €30 million it would represent a good bit of business for the Villains.
"The money they are talking about is a substantial amount for one player," he said. "If we can replace him with a player of his ability then it's good business."
PA