I’m a Premier League legend who won 26 international caps.. but I found playing for England ‘demoralising’

ROBBIE FOWLER has claimed that he often found playing for England “demoralising”.

The former Liverpool and Leeds star earned 26 caps for the Three Lions during his playing career, scoring seven times.

News Group Newspapers LtdRobbie Fowler had to compete with the likes of Alan Shearer[/caption]

Fowler, 48, often found himself down the pecking order for England during his career.

The retired striker had to compete with the likes of Alan Shearer, Teddy Sheringham, Ian Wright and Michael Owen.

Fowler was a clinical forward in the Premier League, having netted 163 goals.

This record is the eighth-best in the competition’s history and also the fourth-best in terms of English strikers.

However, his prolific form did not see him rewarded with regular game time for the national side.

Fowler has now admitted that he would often feel down about never getting a “look in”.

He told William Hill’s podcast, Up Front with Simon Jordan: “I didn’t enjoy playing for England for the simple fact that I never played enough.

“When I played, of course I loved it, but I always had the feeling that I was a bit-part player.

“Anyone will tell you that if you’re always going down there, in the squad, but never really getting a look in, it’s more than a bit demoralising.

“I played for England 26 times, only starting 11 of those, and only finishing the game in four of those starts.

“I don’t think I really got a decent chance.

“The managers at that time obviously just thought that other players were better than me, it’s as simple as that.

“I didn’t agree with it then and I still don’t now.”

Fowler has gone into management since retiring from playing in 2012.