Stoke City striker Peter Crouch has admitted that he has been left "frustrated" at being out of Fabio Capello's England squad but insists that he will continue to try to force his way back.
The former Tottenham Hotspur frontman hasn't played for the Three Lions since last year's match against France, in which he scored a consolation goal in the side's 2-1 defeat.
The 30-year-old has expressed his disappointment in not featuring for the Euro 2012 qualifier against Wales in March as well as the Ghana friendly despite being promised an appearance.
"For the Wales game I wasn't on the bench and then the manager told me I was going to play 45 minutes [against Ghana] and I didn't play again," he told The Independent.
"I felt extremely frustrated. That is only natural and people started saying 'He is going to retire' but I couldn't retire from international football.
"It is an absolute privilege and an honour to be involved. That will always remain the case."
While the striker is determined to fight for his place in the national side, Crouch does hold some frustration towards Capello for shunning him.
"It is frustrating in that I feel I have done extremely well for England and I feel I have not really been given a chance by the manager," he added.
"I will always work hard and do the best I can do and hopefully it will be enough."
The former Liverpool player has clocked up 22 goals in 42 appearances for England.
Danielle Joynson
