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Portsmouth defender Sol Campbell has launched a candid and barbed assessment of Steve McClaren's England tenure.
Since succeeding Sven Goran Eriksson, McClaren has wasted little time in shedding his squad of several elder statesmen as the likes of Campbell, David James and, most controversially, David Beckham have all been axed.
Campbell accepts that McClaren has every right to change the personnel at his disposal but after finding out that he was surplus to requirements courtesy of an answer phone message, the Arsenal defender has drawn several conclusions about England's latest incumbent.
"New management are looking in a different direction and I can understand that - but through respect and class how I was told was not the best," Campbell told The Independent.
"Ten years of playing football, putting your body on the line and playing amazing games for your country - qualifying and playing around the world to make sure the country moves in the right direction - and the least he could have done was speak to me properly.
"I was told I wouldn't be in the squad - but just speak to me, have a proper conversation.
"It's the least I deserve. I speak the truth and maybe that scared him."
The former Arsenal stopper may not now add to his 69 caps and while accepting McClaren's stance, Campbell feels that he still has plenty to offer at the highest level.
Campbell is also quick to champion the cause of his team-mate James, who he feels is enjoying the proverbial Indian summer on the South Coast since arriving at Portsmouth in the close-season from Manchester City.
"There are loads of guys around the world playing who are older than me," he added. "I suppose people thought when I moved to Portsmouth it would be harder because we're not in Europe.
"But there are a couple of other teams in the same position who are providing players to the squad."
"You see other countries have players who are still playing at 34 and 35 for their national team.
"David James is playing out of his skin, unbelievable football and people need to wake up and see he is playing football I have never seen.
"If people were just honest about it then maybe we would get a better team.'Jamo' is playing the best football of his career and people should admit that instead of hiding from it or pushing it under the carpet."
Since succeeding Sven Goran Eriksson, McClaren has wasted little time in shedding his squad of several elder statesmen as the likes of Campbell, David James and, most controversially, David Beckham have all been axed.
Campbell accepts that McClaren has every right to change the personnel at his disposal but after finding out that he was surplus to requirements courtesy of an answer phone message, the Arsenal defender has drawn several conclusions about England's latest incumbent.
"New management are looking in a different direction and I can understand that - but through respect and class how I was told was not the best," Campbell told The Independent.
"Ten years of playing football, putting your body on the line and playing amazing games for your country - qualifying and playing around the world to make sure the country moves in the right direction - and the least he could have done was speak to me properly.
"I was told I wouldn't be in the squad - but just speak to me, have a proper conversation.
"It's the least I deserve. I speak the truth and maybe that scared him."
The former Arsenal stopper may not now add to his 69 caps and while accepting McClaren's stance, Campbell feels that he still has plenty to offer at the highest level.
Campbell is also quick to champion the cause of his team-mate James, who he feels is enjoying the proverbial Indian summer on the South Coast since arriving at Portsmouth in the close-season from Manchester City.
"There are loads of guys around the world playing who are older than me," he added. "I suppose people thought when I moved to Portsmouth it would be harder because we're not in Europe.
"But there are a couple of other teams in the same position who are providing players to the squad."
"You see other countries have players who are still playing at 34 and 35 for their national team.
"David James is playing out of his skin, unbelievable football and people need to wake up and see he is playing football I have never seen.
"If people were just honest about it then maybe we would get a better team.'Jamo' is playing the best football of his career and people should admit that instead of hiding from it or pushing it under the carpet."
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