Micah Richards admits England hopes

Micah Richards has admitted that he still harbours hope of going to the World Cup with England next year.

The Manchester City right-back hasn't been called up for the Three Lions in well over 12 months after refusing to be placed on the standby list for Euro 2012, and made his last appearance in a friendly against the Netherlands in February of that year.

Despite facing competition from the likes of Glen Johnson, Kyle Walker, Phil Jones and Chris Smalling, Richards is wishing himself a place on the plane to Brazil next summer.

"It's about keeping fit and getting some games in," Richards told reporters. "I've felt I played well in the three games [played for City this season].

"Brazil would be nice. I've never been! I was supposed to go to a tournament there when I was younger but didn't make it."

Manchester City travel to Newcastle United in the Capital One Cup on Wednesday night.