Ben Foster has insisted that he was right to take a break from England duty as he prepares for this summer's World Cup.
The West Bromwich Albion goalkeeper announced that he would not be available for international selection in order to focus on his club career in 2011, but ended his hiatus from the national side last year, before securing a place in Roy Hodgson's squad for the upcoming tournament in Brazil.
The 31-year-old told The Mirror: "It's amazing for me. I'll always stick by my decision. Things always happen for a reason. I'd not change it.
"Roy, as a manager, one of his huge plus points is he understands people and that footballers aren't just machines. It's not football, football, football. We have kids and family. It's hard to be away from families, especially at a World Cup. But it is a World Cup, a big deal.
"My brothers thought I was barmy. My mum and dad were supportive, my sister too, but my brothers were 'What are you doing?' Brett and Adrian are Sunday League players. They were like, 'What are you thinking?' I could completely understand it. It's their opinion, that's fine. I knew what I wanted to do."
England play Ecuador in an international friendly on Wednesday.
Sian Cowper
