The man who created an online petition to ban Manchester United midfielder Tom Cleverley from competing at this summer's World Cup with England has explained his reasons behind it.

Glenn McConnell of Blackpool created the petition looking for 5,000 signatures in a bid to stop the midfielder from 'ruining' the Three Lions' reputation.

After the news emerged, England manager Roy Hodgson stated that he was 'not impressed' by the petition.

"The petition is not about banning him from playing for the country, but rather banning him from going to the World Cup. I think we have better options in the centre of the park," McConnell told BBC Radio 5 live.

"It is not a personal attack on Tom Cleverley. It is more about the selection process where players of big clubs like Manchester United, Liverpool and Arsenal are favoured over smaller teams."

England secured a 1-0 victory over Denmark in Wednesday's international friendly at Wembley.