The English FA has dismissed speculation that England players were prepared to boycott Saturday's Euro 2004 qualifier against Turkey following the decision to leave Rio Ferdinand out of the squad.
Ferdinand was omitted yesterday after failing to take a routine drugs test and there were suggestions that his team mates might refuse to play in support of the Manchester United defender.
"The players had an opportunity to express their feelings about the difficult situation and the FA was happy and willing to hear those views," Paul Barber, the FA's Marketing and Communications Director, told the ruling body's official website.
"We also had the opportunity to explain why the decision was taken. "It was an extremely amicable meeting and at no time did any players threaten to walk out or not join the trip to Turkey.
Both sides were respectful of each other's position. "It was agreed at the start that this was a private meeting and therefore the discussions will remain private."
England need a point from the match in Turkey to qualify directly for next year's European Championship in Portugal.