Manchester United midfielder Paul Scholes has broken his silence on turning down Fabio Capello's offer to join England's World Cup squad.

Scholes revealed that if the Italian had spoken to him sooner, the outcome would have been different.

"It's a big decision and I wasn't really given enough time to think about it, so I decided not to take up the offer," he told the Oldham Evening Chronicle.

"If they'd asked me earlier I probably would have accepted.

"There are players in the squad who have spent nearly two years flying all around the world helping England qualify for the World Cup, whereas I haven't been involved for a long time.

"It wasn't a case of wanting to go on holiday, it was the fact that I got the call so close to the tournament, and also I didn't want to take the place of someone who helped get England to South Africa.

"The idea just didn't sit comfortably with me."

Scholes has also offered his sympathy to United team-mate Rio Ferdinand, who will miss the tournament having suffered a knee injury in England's first training session in South Africa.

"I really feel for Rio, especially getting hurt so close to the start of the action," added Scholes.

"It's not just sad for Rio but for England as well, because he is captain and an important figure."