Andrew Flintoff has insisted "England comes first" as he plans for his future as a "freelance" player.

Flintoff, currently recovering from knee surgery, turned down the offer of an incremental contract with his country after he retired from Test cricket following the Ashes.

That led to accusations that he was set to put financial gain ahead of national pride, but he has reiterated his commitment to England.

He told BBC Radio Five Live: "A lot of people were saying I was going to be picking and choosing my games but there'll be none of that - England comes first.

"In an ideal world I'd still be playing in Tests and I'd be going to South Africa this winter, but due to my body I can't do that.

"I'm not trying to break away from the camp or the squad. I want to, first of all, get back in the Lancashire shirt and then after that the England shirt."