Scott Parker has remained with the England squad before Tuesday night's home friendly with fellow FIFA World Cup finalists Ghana.
The Hammers midfielder is unlikely to begin at Wembley with Fabio Capello set to make several changes from Saturday's 2-0 weekend win in Wales. That could mean that Robert Green will get a first appearance since last summer's finals, with Parker expected to figure off the bench for his maiden appearance at the revamped stadium. Six of the squad have been released including John Terry, Frank Lampard and Wayne Rooney.
Speaking to the BBC, Parker has spoken about his determination to keep on playing since his father Mick passed away a week ago last Friday on the eve of the goalless draw against Tottenham Hotspur. He said it was what his dad would have wanted and culminated in him earning plaudits from all quarters after his midfield display at the Millennium Stadium.
He said: "I cracked on with things because I know that is what he would have wanted me to done. It is a shame that he wasn't around to see me play. That is the biggest disappointment but I am glad. He is probably looking down on me and smiling on me up there.
"My father was ill for a long while. I knew he was ill. I was with him all day on Friday and I left the hospital and went to the hotel to meet up with the squad. As soon as I got to the hotel I heard he was seriously ill.
"I was with him on that Friday and I know the sort of stuff he was saying to me like he would always say. Before I left him he was telling me about the game, how to play and to look forward to it. I needed to go out there for him really.
"That [Tottenham match] was the one day when football didn't come into it. However bad I would have played that day I just went out there for him.
"I have just cracked on with it, sometimes it is a relief. You come into football and it takes you away a little bit. When you step out you have to deal with all the other stuff ... I have got a mum and a sister who I have to look after now. We will stay strong."