Joleon Lescott backs Micah Richards for England return

Joleon Lescott has suggested that Aston Villa teammate Micah Richards could play his way back into the England squad after his move to Villa Park.

The 27-year-old joined Villa from Manchester City this summer and was installed as captain by manager Tim Sherwood before the season began.

Richards first broke into the England side in 2006 but fell out of favour after Steve McClaren's sacking in 2007. However, Lescott is confident that his international career is not over yet.

"He can get back into that England squad, absolutely no doubt," Lescott told talkSPORT.

"There's a lot of talent there in the group. But if Micah Richards is fit, he has to be involved. There's a lot of good players out there. But I don't see any players who do anything that Micah can't do."

Richards has won 13 caps for England and scored one goal.