Manchester City defender Micah Richards was left out of the England squad again on Tuesday after he allegedly refused to be put on the standby list.

It is understood that Richards rejected the chance to be a part of the back-ups for Euro 2012 after England manager Roy Hodgson called other players to inform them of their exclusion but didn't ring the City defender, according to The Mirror.

Liverpool's Martin Kelly earned a shock call-up to join England ahead of their friendly with Norway on Saturday. After he missed out on the 23-man party, Richards issued a dignified statement on the Manchester City club website.

"Of course my initial reaction is to be gutted but a manager is there to pick a squad and he cannot pick everyone," said Richards.

"No-one will be cheering louder than me for England when the championships start.

"My really good mates from City and other clubs will be playing and of course I want my country to win."

Richards was part of the City team that won their first top-flight title in 44 years last season.