Aston Villa defender Micah Richards has stated that he is more than capable of earning a recall to the England national team.

Richards was the youngest ever player to be called up to the England national team back in 2006 and it was expected that the defender would go on to become a regular for the Three Lions in the years to come.

Unfortunately, Richards has managed only 13 caps for England since and his last call up for the national team came back in 2012. After three years in the wilderness, Richards is now confident of earning a recall into the England setup with his performances for Aston Villa.

Speaking to talkSPORT, Richards said: "I'm hoping if I do get the chance then I can take it because when I'm fully fit I believe I'm as good as anyone in the England squad.

"That's not in a big-headed way, that's just what I believe and I think I've proved that. I was 18 when I played for England and I'm a much better player now than I was then.

"It's just how football is – people get certain chances and then everything changes. If Stuart Pearce was the manager now I'd probably be the first name on the team sheet, so it just depends. But I'm focusing on Villa now. I feel good and hopefully these niggly injuries are behind me."