Ben Foster frustrated at Old Trafford

Ben Foster is growing increasingly frustrated with his inability to secure regular football at Manchester United although the goalkeeper will not ask to leave Old Trafford in order to further his World Cup ambitions.

GettyImages

Ben Foster started England's 1-0 defeat to Brazil

•  England 0-1 Brazil
•  Harris: England must improve

Foster started England's friendly against Brazil in Doha on Saturday but he has not even been on the bench at club level in a number of recent games with Sir Alex Ferguson preferring Tomasz Kuszczak as back-up for established number one Edwin van der Sar.

It is a difficult situation for Foster who started the season as number one at United with Van der Sar injured, before committing a number of errors, most notably in the 4-3 win over Manchester City on September 20.

But he retains the faith of Fabio Capello at present having started England's last two games. With a place at the World Cup firmly within his sights, Foster is concerned at the lack of playing time he has been afforded by Ferguson.

"It's a weird one," Foster said. "I am third choice for Manchester United at the moment yet I am playing for my country. It is very disheartening not even be on the bench at United.

"Edwin is one of the best keepers in the world. I can't really go knocking on the manager's door and say he is not doing his job because he is.

"I thought I started off well but then there was a period of two or three games where I made a few mistakes. But they were the only ones I made really and I was disappointed to find myself out of the team

"It was a bit out of the blue [to start against Brazil] but I have done really well in training this week and thankfully, the boss [Fabio Capello] stuck with me. It is everything for a footballer to go to the World Cup but I can't go saying 'I want to leave' or anything like that. I have just got to see what happens."

Meanwhile, Old Trafford team-mate Wayne Rooney has spoken of his pride after skippering England against Brazil. The striker was handed the honour when John Terry was ruled out due to injury.

"I am really proud to have been captain," Rooney said. "I was delighted to get the job. It was a great thing for me to lead the England side out although I wanted the win. You dream when you are a kid of doing that and don't think it will ever happen - but it has - and my family will be full of pride as well.

"Fabio (Capello) told me on Friday on the training pitch that if JT wasn't fit, I would be captain. I wanted JT to be fit but I am delighted when the manager praises me. He is a top-class manager who has won trophies and it is nice to hear."