Source: Team_Talk
Richards bemused by England snub
Manchester City defender Micah Richards believes he is one of the best right-backs in the world on his day and he should be an England regular.[LNB] The City full-back burst onto the international scene in November 2006, with Steve McClaren handing him a senior debut at the age of 18.[LNB]It was expected that Richards would become a mainstay in the side for years to come, becoming the natural successor to Gary Neville at full-back.[LNB]He has, however, only added 11 caps to his tally since making his Three Lions bow and has featured just once under current coach Fabio Capello - against France in November 2010.[LNB]Richards is bemused by his lack of international action, with a number of assured displays for City last season suggesting that, at the age of 23, he has matured into one of the most complete defenders in the country.[LNB]He told the Sunday Mirror: "I don't know why I'm not playing for England - but that's something only Fabio Capello can answer.[LNB]"Why I haven't been given a chance I can't understand.[LNB]"When I came in against France I thought I did well, yet I was left out again for the next international.[LNB]"I wasn't even in the squad. When I'm fit I feel I am as good as anyone not just in the Premier League or Europe, but in the world.[LNB]"People might say that I am arrogant, but when I am 100 per cent fit and fully focused then I am as good as anyone around.[LNB]"I really am that confident.[LNB]"I thought I did well last season but I know from my own past experience that if you want people to rate you as a top player then you have to deliver on a consistent basis season after season."[LNB]Richards added: "It's frustrating because I can't understand what's happening.[LNB]"The manager has never explained his way of thinking to me and it has got to the point where I just don't think about the England thing any more.[LNB]"There is so much going on at City now that the only thing I am concentrating on is doing well here and making sure I do enough to keep Roberto Mancini happy.[LNB]"If England comes along again then it will be a bonus. But perhaps it's just that Capello doesn't rate me highly enough and I just have to accept that and wait for things to change."
