Fulham striker Bobby Zamora has revealed his fears over breaking down through injury were behind the decision not to include him in England's World Cup squad.
Zamora was a surprise omission from provisional 30-man squad named by Fabio Capello on Tuesday.
However, Fulham's 19-goal top scorer has admitted that he was largely responsible for the omission due to fears over his fitness.
The 29-year-old has been struggling with an Achilles injury during the second half of the season and lasted less than an hour of Wednesday's 2-1 Europa League Final defeat at the hands of Atletico Madrid.
Speaking afterwards, he explained:"I told Fabio that I was struggling and I knew that, had I gone, I wouldn't have done myself or England justice.
"It was a joint decision made by myself, Capello, our medical team and England's medical team.
"The World Cup's a massive tournament. It's not about myself, it's about England.
"Capello wished me all the best, hoped that I get fit and would be available next season. You could see last night I was struggling to play.
"That's football, it's a cruel game. Just look at us losing this final in the last couple of minutes."