Newcastle United midfielder Joey Barton claims he cannot understand why he is not in the England squad.
Barton, who has won just one cap in his career so far, has been in fine form for the Magpies this season but continues to be overlooked by England boss Fabio Capello.
And the 28-year-old, who insists he is the best English midfielder in the game, believes his behaviour in the past is counting against him.
Barton told French football publication So Foot: “Honestly, I think I'm the.
“Luka Modric and Samir Nasri are very good, but in terms of English players... well, Jack Wilshere isn't bad, but Frank Lampard's on the way down and Steven Gerrard's been injured a lot."
“I'm English and I love playing for my country.
“Maybe the people at the top have a problem with me. I don't know. But the trouble I had was four years ago. They should be able to forgive, shouldn't they?
Barton then went on to launch a blistering attack on Manchester City man Gareth Barry, who has been a regular in England’s starting XI under Capello.
The Magpies man continued: “Did you see the game against Germany at the World Cup?
“If you watch the fourth goal, when (Mesut) Ozil was up against Barry, it was like the hare and the tortoise.”
He added: “Barry's got a very good agent. He's also discreet and always agrees with the manager.
“He's like the guy who sits in the front row and listens to the teacher. I certainly don't lose any sleep when I play against him.”