Stoke City striker Peter Crouch has explained his England Euros snub over the summer.

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 Roy 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."