The former Newcastle midfielder has won just one cap for his country, in a friendly defeat against Spain back in February 2007. Barton has not featured under Italian manager Capello and was predictably left out of his squad for the upcoming friendlies against Spain and Sweden. The 29-year-old says that snub was no surprise and admits he has stopped checking whether he has made the cut. "It doesn't surprise me at all," Barton told Sky Sports News. "I've sort of become accustomed to it - so much so that I don't even bother looking any more." Barton was surprised, however, at some of the other players that were ignored by Capello this time around, namely Manchester City man Micah Richards and Newcastle duo Steven Taylor and Danny Simpson. "There's a few omissions that I would have had in my England squad but I'm not England manager," he said. "I just felt Micah Richards was really unlucky. For me he's been one of the solid England players and I think he did fantastically well against Manchester United at Old Trafford. I know Micah quite well so I'm sort of biased towards that. "I was also surprised that none of the boys from Newcastle United (were included). "They've had a fantastic start to the season but no-one can get in the England squad (like) Steven Taylor, Danny Simpson, those kind of boys." He added: "I'm not England manager, I'm not here to pick the England team, I was just surprised that there were a few players in there who are currently struggling for club form. "We're going to play games against Spain and Sweden. If you're not playing well you will be found out. "Capello is paid £6million odd a year to get it right. Let's hope he does."
