Aston Villa recently confirmed the signing of former Manchester City defender Micah Richards on a free transfer following the expiration of his contract with the Sky Blues.
The right-back’s career has stalled in recent years due to a lack of playing time, which has also had a detrimental effect on his international prospects. But should he perform with his new side, England could come calling for him again, as the Three Lions currently have a void at right-back.
Richards, 26, made just 10 Serie A appearances in last season’s loan spell with Fiorentina, and played in just nine league games in 2012/13 & 2013/14 with Manchester City. He’s hardly played any football for a few years, but appears keen to take his chance with the Midlands club.
Signing a four-year deal for Tim Sherwood’s side, the Villa boss has high hopes for Richards, saying: “I’m really pleased to get Micah on board and I’m sure he will prove to be an excellent signing for the football club.”
Micah Richards’ omission from the England national team has always been a source of controversy. Manager Roy Hodgson has insisted it was purely a football decision, but the defender’s swift axeing immediately following Hodgson’s appointment suggested the two may not have the best working relationship.
As a result, it could take a lot for Richards to work his way back into the reckoning for the Three Lions, but England have no recognised long-term option at right-back currently, which gives the Villa man a chance to represent his country again.
Southampton‘s Nathaniel Clyne has been tipped for the position, but Hodgson hasn‘t been pleased with his international form, saying: “Nathaniel Clyne is a very good player, but I would be disappointed if anyone thought that on the basis of a good season with their clubs they can walk in and demand a place.”
With Clyne now behind centre-back Phil Jones in the right-back pecking order, there’s certainly a chance for fresh blood. Richards played 13 times for the Three Lions, with his first cap coming nine years ago. His last England appearance came in 2012, where he featured just twice in the last two years before his axeing.
Performing well for Aston Villa could well see his name on Hodgson’s lips, with the England boss having given Villa midfielder Fabian Delph a regular run-out in his team, while Tom Cleverley was recently recalled too. So could Richards be in contention to be England’s next right-back?
