There has been criticism over the way England boss Fabio Capello picked his team recently and Boothroyd speaking to the CT's Alan Poole said that he does things differently.
"Because of all the press comment on the England situation with Fabio Capello, everybody has an opinion on what players should be told and when they should be told it," said Boothroyd.
"My stance has always been that players are human beings and it's important they know the reasons why they are out of the team and what they need to do to get back into it.
"I said when I came in that I'll always be honest and make my thoughts and opinions clear.
"I won't pamper anybody - I'll be firm but fair and pick people on merit.
"That's the situation with James McPake and Richard Wood and their attitude has been absolutely first class - which is exactly what I expected because if you treat players with respect most of them will respond."