Campbell unimpressed by treatment from McClaren

Sol Campbell believes Steve McClaren is lacking in “respect and class” – and has called for the England coach to give a recall to goalkeeper David James.

McClaren has been on the road this week to meet his England players and listen to their feedback on the defeat in Croatia.

The former Middlesbrough boss has held a number of different meetings around the country with players and members of his coaching staff.

England were beaten 2-0 in Croatia last month in a Euro 2008 qualifier and could only draw 0-0 at home to Macedonia in their previous game.

And Campbell, who insists he has rediscovered his love of the game under Harry Redknapp at Portsmouth, was not impressed by his treatment from McClaren.

The 32-year-old 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.”

The former Arsenal defender, who won 69 caps, only discovered he would not be part of McClaren's plans for his first squad to face Greece in August when he picked up a message on his answerphone.

The England boss has always insisted he does not want to lose contact with his players between international fixtures.

And Campbell insists he has not yet had a conversation with McClaren to clarify why an England career which lasted 10 years has been ended.

He continued: “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.

“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 was keen to canvas opinion from his senior players and boost their morale this week after the disappointing results sparked heavy criticism.

Campbell believes players aged over 30 – a group which also includes fellow international discards David Beckham and David James – have plenty to offer their country.

He continued: “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.”

Campbell cannot understand the exclusion of James from the England squad.

He explained: “You see other countries have players who are still playing at 34 and 35 for their national team.

“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.”

Portsmouth were fifth in the Barclays Premiership going into today’s match against Reading at Fratton Park – and Campbell is loving life with the south coast club.

Campbell, part of a defence which has conceded just five goals in their first nine games, added: “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.”