Campbell Blasts McClaren's Managerial Style
Sol Campbell's novel strategy for winning back his place in the England squad is to imply that manager Steve McClaren lacks \"respect and class\" - and to call for the reinstatement of his Portsmouth team-mate, former Englnd goalkeeper David James.
Coach McClaren has been out on the road this week meeting the England players involved in the recent Euro 2008 defeat by Croatia to hear their feedback on what went wrong and how it can be improved.
McClaren held several meetings around the country with players and members of his coaching staff.
But Campbell, who says he has rediscovered his enthusiasm for football under Harry Redknapp at Portsmouth, is not impressed by the way he has been treated by McClaren.
The 32-year-old former Arsenal and Spurs defender told The Independent: \"New management are looking in a different direction and I can understand that - but through respect and class how I was told was not the best.\"
Campbell won 69 England caps, but learned he would not be part of McClaren's plans for his first squad - against Greece in August - when he received a message on his answerphone.
He says he has not yet had a conversation with McClaren to learn exactly why his 10-year England career has apparently come to an end.
\"Ten years of playing football, putting your body on the line and playing amazing games for your country - qualifying and playing around the world to make sure the country moves in the right direction - and the least he could have done was speak to me properly,\" said Campbell.
\"I was told I wouldn't be in the squad - but just speak to me, have a proper conversation.
\"It's the least I deserve. I speak the truth and maybe that scared him.\"
McClaren has been anxious to listen to the views of his senior players this week and rebuild morale after the heavily-criticised disappointments against Macedonia (0-0 at home) and Croatia (0-2 away).
Campbell reckons experienced players over the age of 30 - which includes himself as well as other discarded players such as ex-captain David Beckham and David James - still have plenty to offer England.
\"There are loads of guys around the world playing who are older than me. I suppose people thought when I moved to Portsmouth it would be harder because we're not in Europe.
\"But there are a couple of other teams in the same position who are providing players to the squad. You see other countries have players who are still playing at 34 and 35 for their national team.\"
He also said he was perplexed by the fact that James cannot get into the England squad.
\"David James is playing out of his skin, unbelievable football, and people need to wake up and see he is playing football I have never seen.
\"If people were just honest about it then maybe we would get a better team.
\"'Jamo' is playing the best football of his career and people should admit that instead of hiding from it or pushing it under the carpet.\"
As for his new lease of life at Pompey, Campbell - part of a defence which has conceded only five goals in nine games - commented: \"I am like a kid. I'm playing football and enjoying it again and as long as I'm happy I want to do well.
\"It's not just about training and playing - it's about achieving something special here as well.\"
