Post by Taxigirl on Feb 24, 2004 13:08:33 GMT
Chris Sutton says arrogance in England towards Scotland has led to him and Celtic team-mate Alan Thompson missing out again on international selection.
Striker Sutton, capped once, has long given up hope of an England recall.
"They sent someone up to watch Thommo against Dundee United 10 days ago," he said. "Now he knows his chance has gone as well.
"I don't know what the problem is. There is a bit of arrogance down there, but Celtic know they are a good side."
Both Thompson and Sutton have excelled for Celtic as they have come to dominate Scottish football, reached the Uefa Cup final and shown up well in the Champions League.
England manager Sven-Goran Eriksson has sent assistant Tord Grip to watch Celtic in action on several occasions and Thompson was tipped as a candidate to fill the troublesome left midfield slot.
But neither the 30-year-old, nor Sutton, was included in the squad for the friendly against Portugal.
news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/internationals/england/3491979.stm
"I've been playing for 14 years, so England have had ample time to look at me," Sutton told the Daily Record.
"They clearly don't fancy me and I don't feel as though I have anything to prove to them."
Sutton, despite assurances that he and Thompson could yet feature in future friendlies, believes that he has no chance of being selected in the England squad for the Euro 2004 finals.
"I can't be bothered talking about it anymore to be honest," he added.
"I'm getting ready to have a good holiday with my family in the summer."