Lescott Admits Lack of Football Could Cost Him Trip To Brazil

  Joleon Lescott has admitted that losing his place in the Manchester City side, may well have cost him his place in the England squad for next summer’s World Cup.

  Having made his senior debut in a 3-0 win over Estonia in 2007, he has been a regular in the English national team ever since.  However, losing his place in the Manchester City starting line-up  has had a knock on effect, after making only two appearances for his country since the turn of the year.

     When asked about his chances of reinstating himself in the England squad, he replied, “It does not look like I am going at the minute. I have not been in the last few squads, so it is going to be hard. But if I am playing for city and we are progressing in the Champions League and the title race, then there might be a place for me. I have not given up.”

  The frustration for Lescott is that when Vincent Kompany is fit, there is only realistically one spot open in central defence, with Matija Nastasic and Martin Demichellis both competing with him for it. And with Lescott in the final year of his contract, he may not have too many opportunities to earn himself an extension. “It is hard not playing. No professional enjoys it and I am no different. It is not great not playing in the last year of my contract. The situation is not ideal, but I just have to try to play well when I am given the opportunity.”

   The success Lescott has helped bring to Manchester City has made him a firm favourite among the City faithful, however he may be forced to leave the club in the summer and the fact he is in the final year of his contract means he will have few opportunities. Lescott said, “I want to stay, that is the main thing. But the club have not approached me yet, so I don’t know what the situation is with them  I am not just going to leave a club for the sake of it, but at the end of the season I would have to. So nothing can happen now. I can’t speak to any clubs, and no clubs can approach me. But when that opportunity comes, if it does come in January, I will have to look at that.”

  While Lescott will probably not be going to the World Cup, Hart definitely will even though it may not be as Manchester City’s first choice keeper. Lescott, who is one of the England keeper’s closest friends, said: “Joe is obviously a world class keeper, and when you have a dip in form you are going to be scrutinised. It cost him his place in the team but I am sure when he gets back playing consistently he is going to perform at the highest level again. Every player has to come through tough periods like this. Joe is no different and I would not expect anything less.”

   Despite starting 123 successive games for Manchester City, his recent performances have led to his replacement in the team. “He will be stinging from this. He wants to play every game, we all do. I don’t think he will be proud that he is not playing. Everyone was watching because he is Joe Hart. He has made himself that name and that character. No matter what, he will be scrutinised because he is England’s number one. I think he will prove to the world that he is as good as anyone out there.”