Le Saux's exclusion is private matter

Ken Dyer13 April 2012

Graeme Le Saux talked for the first time today about his exclusion from Sven-Goran Eriksson's England plans and admitted: "I have dealt with that privately".

Chelsea defender Le Saux, who has recovered in time to play in Saturday's FA Cup Final against Arsenal after tearing a calf muscle in the semi-final against Fulham three weeks ago, has undoubtedly been hurt at being consistently overlooked since Eriksson took over but is putting a brave face on things.

He said: "I've not been involved for 18 months and I have dealt with that privately.

"I still have our national team at heart though. I'm a supporter now - as opposed to a player - but whoever plays in the team, I hope they give a good account of themselves."

Arsenal's Ashley Cole is Eriksson's preferred choice at left back for England, a position Le Saux enjoyed on 36 occasions for his country.

Le Saux believes the Chelsea squad are good enough to beat Arsenal in Cardiff and said: "We've been very lucky in recent years that we've won trophies each season.

"Last year we didn't manage to win anything and everyone was very disappointed with that considering the squad we've had.

"This season we've had a tough cup run and got to the semi-finals of the Worthington Cup as well. We want to cap that consistency in the cups by trying to win it.

"We have a team capable of doing that but so do Arsenal. It depends on who settles down the best but we are desperate to win the FA Cup and have something to show for our season."

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