Crouch not giving up on England ´honour´

Peter Crouch says he will not retire from international football despite being left out of Fabio Capello’s England squad.

The 30-year-old was not named in the matchday squad for the Euro 2012 qualifier against Switzerland, despite both Wayne Rooney and Jermain Defoe being unavailable.

But despite the snub, Crouch said he will not give up on making a return to the national team, describing the opportunity to play for England as an ‘honour’.

“It was really frustrating the other day to not be involved but that is the manager’s decision and you have to live with that,” Crouch said.

“It is frustrating, to say the least, but it is one of those things I suppose. It is part and parcel of being a footballer.”

“Playing for England is the pinnacle of any player’s career and I absolutely love doing it. If I get a minute on the pitch (for England), that’s great, if I get 90 that’s a lot better.”

“Do I want to carry on playing for England? Yeah, of course. I would never give up playing for my country at any stage. It’s an honour.”

Crouch’s last international appearance was as a substitute in a friendly defeat against France in November.

The Tottenham striker has scored 22 goals in 42 games for his country.