CHRIS Sutton's understandable joy at finally being named in the England squad contrasted with the disappointment of Tim Flowers, who is desperately keen to add to his nine full international caps.

The Blackburn Rovers goalkeeper, along with more of his Ewood team-mates, is certainly in the frame as the battle for a place among England's 22 to go to France hots up.

And Flowers is determined to do his talking on the field in a bid for a place.

But he has missed out on the first chance to stake a claim, next Saturday's friendly against Cameroon, and it clearly hurts the keeper to be overlooked by Glenn Hoddle who has stuck with David Seaman, Ian Walker and Nigel Martyn.

"I half expected it (not to be in) after the Italy game. I didn't think he would change it. David played, Ian was sub and Nigel was in the squad," said Flowers.

"But I am disappointed, I'm always disappointed but that's the way it goes.

"The only way you can get in there is to play well for your club, so I'll just keep trying to do the best I can.

"It's only an elite few who can get in those squads and I'm certainly not arrogant enough or big-headed enough to think that I should be there all the while.

"But I do believe hard work will get you there and that you will achieve those sort of goals by what you put in on the training ground. "My desire to get in is even greater than it was.

"I've had the taste of nine caps, I need one for double figures, which would be nice, and you always want more don't you.

"There is no higher accolade really than playing for England.

"Some managers push their players through the newspapers and what's written can make a difference.

"But, having said that, I'm a big believer that you have to do what you can in your 18-yard box.

"You talk with your hands, it's pointless shouting your mouth off in the papers."

If Flowers maintains the form he has shown since making a full recovery from his eve-of-season hernia surgery, England will find it hard to ignore him. Five clean sheets in those nine internationals is a good record too.

Sutton, greeted every match by shouts of "Sutton for England" by Rovers supporters, simply made it impossible to leave him out with his goals and overall performances. Hoddle said: "There was a time when we did not know what position he was going to play. He came to the rescue when there were injuries and played at centre-half.

"But he has started the season extremely well and everyone knows he is a centre forward.

"He was always close to being brought in. We thought this was the best time to bring him in rather than the big game (against Italy)."

And Sutton, as we revealed in later editions of last night's Lancashire Evening Telegraph, was delighted to be called up at last after two games for England B.

It must have been frustrating and he confessed earlier in the season that he felt he was never going to be selected.

"There were times when I suppose I was a little bit disappointed not to be in. But fortunately that's all changed now and I have a chance," he said after being told the news.

"Hopefully I can grab the opportunity when I am down there and just hope it's not a flash in the pan."

"It would be nice to be in the starting line-up but I don't want to take anything for granted. I am just pleased to be involved."

Rovers boss Roy Hodgson said he had always expected Sutton to be selected for this game, saying it would have been a "grave injustice" if he had been overlooked.

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