Baines eyes England recall

14 September 2010 13:30
Leighton Baines has not given up on his England dream. After featuring in the friendlies against Egypt and Mexico, the Everton full-back was a surprise omission from Fabio Capello's World Cup squad, losing out to Stephen Warnock. Now Arsenal youngster Kieran Gibbs has leapfrogged above both men in the battle to be understudy to Ashley Cole. It is hard to see that situation changing ahead of next month's Euro 2012 qualifier with Montenegro, even though Baines was one of the major influences behind Everton's remarkable comeback against Manchester United on Saturday. But the 25-year-old is not allowing himself to get disheartened - and does not believe his international days are over. "You never know where you are with England," Baines told the Liverpool Echo. "Before I got my first call-up I didn't know if I was close or a million miles away. "The past has proved if your form is good every week then you will get looked at. Okay, it didn't work out quite as well as it could have done but I am only 25 and there is still time."

Source: PA