Bowyer surprised by England snub

Lee Bowyer has admitted he was "surprised" not to have been named in Sven-Goran Eriksson‘s England squad for the European Championship qualifiers against Slovakia and Macedonia.

The Leeds midfielder made his long awaited England debut in the friendly against Portugal last month following his high-profile court case.

However, the disappointed Bowyer has not been retained for the qualification double-header.

"Obviously I‘m very disappointed not to be named in the squad," he told The Yorkshire Post.

"I was surprised. I suppose all I can do now is try and play well for Leeds and hope something will come from that."

Former Leeds boss David O‘Leary, the favourite to replace Peter Reid following his sacking at Sunderland, was "totally shocked" by Bowyer‘s exclusion.

"I just cannot believe that Lee is not in the squad for these games after his performance for England against Portugal last month," he told The Sun.

"To say I was totally shocked by the player not being selected would be a massive understatement."