Absolutely. If "nothing beats playing" (his words) then he should have no qualms about taking a pay cut.
I have nothing against the guy, but the club have done nothing wrong here.
Crouch definitely played, I remember him putting a ball through for Michael Owen to score.
Weren't we due to play Trinidad and Tobago as well but pulled out, causing Jack Warner (allegedly) to sabotage our bid for the World Cup/Euros?
Peter Crouch, 2005 friendly against the USA I think.
Current internationals - Lee was left out of the last Japan squad wasn't he? Or was that just down to injury? No-one else.
Also, we have no idea what context this is in. To me that tweet reads more as he's been told he's transfer listed - "stuck still watching Premiership football" as opposed to having a chance to play.
Or you could argue that the best time to play the harder fixtures is whilst riding the wave of optimism and success. How often do we see teams newly promoted do really well, only to fall down the league once they run out of steam? The likes of Hull, Blackpool and Reading spring to mind off the top of my head.
Better to play the harder fixtures whilst it's all in our favour, and the "easier" ones when we've calmed down a bit.
Personally I expect Saints to remain consistent throughout the season, as we have done non-stop under Adkins reign. Totally professional.
Not only this, but have you heard the majority of atmospheres in the Prem? Over the last few years Bolton, Blackburn, Wigan, Everton, Liverpool, Arsenal just off the top of my head have been awful for atmosphere.
Wouldn't be as bad as everyone thinks - remember that when he was "p*ss poor" for West Ham he was actually a regular in the England squad, including scoring a goal in the World Cup!
Pretty sure he's only 32/33 as well despite seeming like he's been around since the 1940s.