Luke Young claims he quit England after being treated like an 'afterthought' by national coach Fabio Capello.
Treatment by Capello caused defender to quit international scene
Luke Young claims he quit England after being treated like an 'afterthought' by national coach Fabio Capello.
The Queens Park Rangers new boy announced he would no longer be available for selection in 2009, after winning seven caps for his country.
He says he took that decision after continually being overlooked by Capello and his coaching staff.
Young was often called up after others had dropped out, leaving him feeling like England's hand was being forced.
He admits he would have remained part of the fold had he been treated better, but believes he had no choice but to close that particular chapter in his career.
The 32-year-old defender said: "I didn't think quitting England was going to prolong my career, as I wasn't playing anyway.
Overlooked
"It's great to represent your country and I enjoyed the time I was given.
"But I just felt for the last two years of being involved with England that I was kind of an afterthought.
"Players would drop out, then I would get the call two days later than everyone else.
"I was kind of making up the numbers, so decided to stand down.
"Would I have stuck with England had I been treated better? Probably."
