Newcastle United FC

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Campbell retains England hopes

02 Sep 2010 - 09:17:46

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Veteran defender Sol Campbell still believes that he can force his way back into contention for an England spot by impressing for Newcastle United.

The 34-year-old has not featured for his country since November 2007, but insists that he could still do a job for Fabio Capello's side.

He told The Journal: "I haven't come to Newcastle as a last hurrah and I still believe I have what it takes to play for England.

"I still have the passion, the fire in my belly. I want to win. But you just can't do anything about it anymore, so I am not going to fight.

"I am going to fight on the pitch for Newcastle and if it comes to the stage where someone says 'can you fight for England' then I'll fight for England.

"I am not going to go on about it. It is just not worth it.

"If people don't like you, people don't like you. It's as simple as that. I think it all comes down to who is at the helm and the people behind the associations.

"They are going to make all the decisions and also the mentality of the nation. You go to Italy and defenders and goalkeepers can go on and on and on really.

"You can roll the names off of the guys who have played well into their late 30s at international level, so I think it sometimes goes down to mentality.

"If you are still fit, still strong and still want it, it doesn't matter where you are at with your age.

"If you are fit and you are strong, then you have got the experience, so I think there should be no problem really."