Richards wants England recall

My Account
Logout

Create an Evening Standard Account

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Welcome! Sign in here

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Forgot your password ?

Registration

* indicates fields that are mandatory

Email *

Password *

Confirm Password *

First name *

Surname *

Postcode *

Country *

Mobile phone number

Username *

Gender *

Year of birth *

When you sign up...

You will have access to all our online competitions, discounted offers and can post comments on our site.

You will also receive The Weekender newsletter sent every Thursday - it’s full of fantastic offers and ideas for the weekend. You can update your email preferences in your account page when you log in.

Other newsletters and emails

Homes & Property Newsletter - Yes I want to receive the weekly email with all the latest news on property in the capital

Occasionally we would also like to send you relevant emails detailing specific offers either from ourselves or carefully selected partners. If you would prefer not to receive these then please tick the appropriate boxes below. We will never pass on your details.

I do not want to receive additional offers and information from the Evening Standard

I do not want to receive additional offers and information sent by Evening Standard on behalf of carefully selected partners

Terms and Conditions

* I have read, understood and agree to be bound by the terms and conditions of Evening Standard

Registration

Mail Sent for Registration Confirmation.

A confirmation email has been sent. Please activate your account by clicking on the activation link sent in your mail box.

The Manchester City defender's last appearance for England was in the 3-2 defeat to Croatia at Wembley last October but he believes he merits a place in the current squad.

"I'd played 11 games, been constantly hyped in the media and I thought I had a good chance of keeping my place," Richards told The Guardian. "Then I got an injury and ever since then I don't know why it is, but I can't get back in. I do believe I should be in the squad."

Richards will be hoping a 12th cap arrives before long, with England's next match the friendly against Germany in Berlin on November 19.

If he misses out on the squad for that trip, Richards will have at least a couple of months to impress manager Capello ahead of England's first fixture of 2009, which may come against Spain in February.

The Football Association are hoping to arrange a match in Spain, but have stressed they do not want to play in Madrid where several of England's black players suffered racist abuse in a friendly in 2004.

Richards described the recent fine of £14,920 imposed by FIFA on the Croatian FA after fans abused Emile Heskey last month as "pigeon-feed".

But while he understands the FA's stance regarding the proposed Spain match, he would be happy to play in Madrid.

"I wouldn't make that condition because it makes it look like they [the racists] have won," he said. "It's a nice gesture from the FA because they obviously don't want our players to hear those chants again.

"But it defeats the object. We should go over to Madrid, play the match there and, if there is racist behaviour, Spain should be banned."