The West Ham goalkeeper accepts he is not in Fabio Capello's England plans - he was only called up for the recent France friendly after injuries - but he is refusing to turn his back on his country.

Green, 28, had earmarked this summer to help the African Medical and Research Foundation (AMREF) and would probably have been free even if England qualified for the European Championships.

"I never thought that I was going to be involved," said Green, who earned his one cap for England three years ago.

"I am not part of the plans so it was a chance for the first time in a long time to have a few weeks off and have a chance to do something different."

Green will still make himself available for England whenever needed, adding: "It is an honour to play for your country and it is not something that you take lightly or for granted.

"We have a good number of 'keepers now and there are people like myself Scott Carson and Paul Robinson, and none are in the squad now.

"But it is your country, and one of the biggest in the world for football. It is a tremendous honour. Not being part of it is disappointing but you don't have any right to be involved in it.

"So if you are called in at the last minute to collect the bibs then so be it."

Green will have a holiday in Mexico before starting his work for AMREF, travelling to Kenya and Tanzania for charity projects before climbing Mount Kilimanjaro.