CONTROVERSIAL QPR MIDFIELDER Joey Barton insists he would have been included in England’s Euro 2012 squad if he could stay out of trouble.
In his latest Twitter rant, Barton slammed England manager Roy Hodgson for calling-up Jordan Henderson for the finals after Frank Lampard’s injury and claimed he deserved a place in the squad ahead of the Liverpool midfielder.
But Barton will serve a 12-match ban at the start of next season after his sending-off against Manchester City on the final day of last season and he knows that kind of behaviour gave him no chance of being selected.
Barton, who won one England cap against Spain in 2007, wrote on Twitter: “Why are people giving me loads (of abuse) about England saying ‘cant get in squad etc’.
“On ability I walk into the squad, on behaviour I don’t… fact.
“If Henderson got in, any Englishman not currently in the squad has to feel aggrieved. Yes, I wish I was there but I’m not…
“Everyone’s thinking it I’ll say it. Liverpool have an horrific season and have six players in our euro squad. What chance do we have. Pick on form.
“How (Grant) Holt, (Micah) Richards, (Michael) Carrick, (Rio) Ferdinand, (Leon) Osman, (Daniel) Sturridge etc never got involved is a travesty…”
Barton insists he still wants England to do well at Euro 2012, but he is convinced they will struggle to win the tournament.
“I really hope England do well and win it, I really do. All am saying is I don’t think we will,” he tweeted.
“If everyone stays fit, we’ve got a decent 11 once (Wayne) Rooney’s back.
“If any of the key players get a knock, we are done for. Three games in eight/nine days takes its toll on the body.
“If a few are carrying injuries from a long domestic season, it will show. Not being pessimistic just a realist.
“I am overqualified to pass judgement on this. Not only have I played in the Premier League for 10 years but I’ve played with and against most of them.”
Barton - I would be in England squad if I behaved
CONTROVERSIAL QPR MIDFIELDER Joey Barton insists he would have been included in England’s Euro 2012 squad if he could stay out of trouble.
In his latest Twitter rant, Barton slammed England manager Roy Hodgson for calling-up Jordan Henderson for the finals after Frank Lampard’s injury and claimed he deserved a place in the squad ahead of the Liverpool midfielder.
But Barton will serve a 12-match ban at the start of next season after his sending-off against Manchester City on the final day of last season and he knows that kind of behaviour gave him no chance of being selected.
The 29-year-old, who elbowed Carlos Tevez before reacting to the red card by kicking Sergio Aguero and aiming a headbutt at Vincent Kompany, has been involved in a series of controversial incidents on and off the pitch throughout his troubled career.
He was also recently bailed by police after being arrested following a fight outside a Liverpool nightclub.
Barton, who won one England cap against Spain in 2007, wrote on Twitter: “Why are people giving me loads (of abuse) about England saying ‘cant get in squad etc’.
“On ability I walk into the squad, on behaviour I don’t… fact.
“If Henderson got in, any Englishman not currently in the squad has to feel aggrieved. Yes, I wish I was there but I’m not…
Barton insists he still wants England to do well at Euro 2012, but he is convinced they will struggle to win the tournament.
“I really hope England do well and win it, I really do. All am saying is I don’t think we will,” he tweeted.
“If a few are carrying injuries from a long domestic season, it will show. Not being pessimistic just a realist.
“I am overqualified to pass judgement on this. Not only have I played in the Premier League for 10 years but I’ve played with and against most of them.”
© AFP, 2012
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