Manchester City and England's number one goalkeeper Joe Hart has praised teammate Micah Richards and admitted that it is "unfortunate" that the defender hasn't been called up to the squad.
Three Lions boss Fabio Capello refrained from selecting Richards in the final squad to face Spain and Sweden despite showing impressive form at club level.
"It's not up to me to pick the squad, if it was my friends from school would be playing in it!" Hart said in an England pre-match press conference.
"Micah has been absolutely fantastic, he's given everything and I'm really proud of how he's playing for Manchester City.
"It's unfortunate that Micah's not in this squad but I'm sure that he won't take it to heart and will keep pushing to get in the squad."
The 24-year-old admitted that he was pleased FIFA decided to allow the England squad to wear poppies on the black armbands in commemoration of the British armed forces.
"FIFA are the law and you do as you're told but I think we were positive that in some way shape or form we could find a way to show our respects. That's come, luckily, so we don't have to worry about that."
The goalkeeper was also quick to dismiss any knowledge about the ongoing controversy surrounding Man City teammate Carlos Tevez.
"I honestly don't know what's going on in that situation," he continued. "I think Carlos is doing what he's doing and the club are dealing with it. It's not for me to comment."
England will take on World Cup champions Spain at Wembley on Saturday.
Danielle Joynson
