Richards pleads for England chance

Manchester City defender Micah Richards has admitted that he does not believe he has been given a fair chance by Fabio Capello. The versatile defender looked set to be a key figure in England's future when he made his debut under Steve McClaren in 2006 at the age of 18.However, he has not played at international level since McClaren's reign as manager ended and has only been called into the squad by Capello a couple of times.Richards accepts that his form for City has been inconsistent over the past couple of seasons but still cannot understand why he has been overlooked.The 22-year-old feels he has a lot to offer his country and has urged Capello to give him an opportunity."Whether people think I am being blunt or not, I have not played even a minute for England under Capello," he said in the Sunday Express."And there is no reason, I feel, why I should not be playing for England."If I had played a game for England and not done well, I could have understood it. I don't feel I have been given a fair chance, to be honest. "People can say what they want, but every time I have been on the pitch for England I have given 100 per cent and done well. There is no reason why I can't again."Nobody has talked to me to explain why I am no longer being picked. "Half of it is down to club form - I have got to be playing week in, week out for my club first and doing well. But I have always wanted to play for England. "When I was playing for them I felt I was doing well, so there is no reason why, if I am given the chance, I can't do the same."

Source: Team_Talk