Source: Telegraph
Stephen Warnock benefits from Aston Villa stability with place in England squad
Martin O'Neill is one of the few managers who likes to keep things as they are, and Stephen Warnock believes that continuity is one of the main reasons that he has been called up to Fabio Capello's England squad to face Brazil in Qatar. [LNB]At Blackburn, Warnock was asked to play in a variety of positions, including central and left midfield in addition to left-back, but since his move to Aston Villa in the summer, the defender has been fielded consistently at left-back, his natural position. It has meant that he has been able to focus on one role, and his performances have been excellent as a result. [LNB] Related ArticlesEngland recall Darren Bent and omit Steven GerrardSport on television"I feel settled at left-back,' he explained. 'That's important because in the run-up to any individual game, you know what you'll be doing. You know who you are coming up against too and the challenge ahead. At Blackburn it was interesting playing in central midfield and changing your game completely to what you're used to when you're at left-back. [LNB]"Don't get me wrong, it was a good challenge and I enjoyed finding out if I could compete with some really top-class players in the centre. I didn't dislike it but it's nice to get back to my fixed position. I am just thrilled to get the call-up. It shows good performances do get noticed by the England manager. Luckily they have been rewarded with a call-up.' [LNB]Like the other England players, Warnock received his call-up to the England squad via text message from the Football Association. But he initially thought that he had been overlooked, as his mobile phone was on silent. [LNB]"I knew the squad was being announced at about 8pm. The time had passed and I didn't think I was in it because my phone was in my jeans pocket. But I got it out at about quarter past, realised it was on silent and spotted the text message from the FA saying I had been selected." [LNB]Now that he has been selected, Warnock will aim to improve on the number of minutes he has played for his country. His is currently the shortest England playing career, having played just six minutes against Trinidad and Tobago in May 2008. [LNB]"It's something I obviously want to put right. I know it's classed as a cap, but I want to be able to get a few more and in the process prove to the manager that I am good enough to be involved." [LNB]
