Peter Crouch wants to salvage his international career after revealing that he refused to play for England in the build-up to Euro 2012.

England boss Roy Hodgson has frozen Crouch out of his plans, claiming earlier this month that the Stoke striker was unwilling to go on standby for his squad this summer.

Slam dunk! Peter Crouch scored against Manchester City after the ball hit his hand

But Crouch admitted the root of the problem was his refusal to play in pre-tournament friendlies against Norway and Belgium after being left out of Hodgson's 23-man party.

'It wasn't a case of being a standby,' said Crouch. 'He wanted me to play in one of the friendlies and then go home.

'I'll be honest, I was bitterly disappointed not to be in the squad for the Euros and I think understandably so. We had a conversation but that should remain private between me and the manager.'

However, Crouch is still hopeful that he can resolve the issue with Hodgson and add to his 42 caps.

He added: 'Of course, playing for my country is the best thing I've ever done in my career and I will never rule that out. If I get a chance again I'll grab it with both hands.'

Crouch has scored in his last three games for Stoke. Yet after his wonder strike against Manchester City in March, Roberto Mancini insisted that Saturday's hand-assisted effort was straight off the basketball court.

'It definitely hit my hand, I'm not going to lie to you,' said Crouch. 'But you play to the whistle and I did that.'

« Previous123Next »