Bobby Zamora Fulham

The much-maligned Zamora scored his fifth Premier League goal of the season as Fulham drew 1-1 with Burnley at Turf Moor on Saturday as the visitors extended their unbeaten run in the league to four games.

The former England U21 striker has his critics for a lack of goals at Craven Cottage, but Hodgson was believed to have given the former West Ham marksman the highest praise after being widely quoted as saying his form could earn a Three Lions call-up.

However, the Cottagers boss has denied he ever called for Fabio Capello to consider the 28-year-old in his World Cup squad.

"I was asked whether there was space in Capello's squad for a player who comes in from the left - how anyone can interpret that as me saying he should play for England is almost laughable," said Hodgson of Zamora, who would have been Trinidad & Tobago player earlier this year but for injury.

Bobby Zamora Fulham
Bobby Zamora Fulham
Bobby Zamora Fulham
Bobby Zamora Fulham
Bobby Zamora Fulham
Bobby Zamora Fulham
Bobby Zamora Fulham"I've been a national coach in three countries and the thing I hated most was a club coach saying I should pick his player. I have vowed never to do that and I never will.

"There's an awful long way between saying what I said and touting Bobby Zamora to play for England."

Hodgson was still keen to praise Zamora's performance after he struck the visitors ahead before Wade Elliott volleyed Burnley a share of the points.

Hodgson added: "Bobby is playing well. He had a slight knock at half-time but he managed to carry on and he scored a good goal. He's leading the line very well."