"Benjamin David "Ben" Thatcher" is a former association football player. He played for a number of English clubs, and has featured in more than 300 English league games from his position as a left-sided defender (association football)/defender, all of which were in the top two leagues in the country.

He represented England national under-21 football team/England's under-21 national team on four occasions, but chose to represent the Wales national football team/Wales national team in his senior years, for whom he earned seven cap (sport)/caps.

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I would have absolutely relished a battle in Poland - that's a major part of my game.

It is a joke, an absolute nonsense to even suggest such things.

Certain comments and actions in the build-up to the England and Poland games have made my position within the Welsh squad untenable for the time being.

I have never bottled anything in my life and I'm not going to start now.

The manager held court with the media and gave one side of this unfortunate affair, which is why I'm now giving my side.

I have been shown around the training facilities here, and they are really terrific. The pitches look great, and everything seems to be so well organized.

For anybody to question whether I am behind the Wales cause is ridiculous and unfair. I have hardly missed a training session with any of my managers during my career and recent remarks about me are complete nonsense. I am proud to play for Wales and always will be.

I cannot prevent supporters and journalists alike from reaching their own conclusions as to my motives.