Richards targeting England return

The 22-year-old, who first played for England almost four years ago, captained the Under-21s in defeat to Greece the same day the senior side played Egypt. Although honoured to lead England's youth stars on the pitch, he confesses to higher aspirations. Richards says his aim, now, is to work at breaking into the senior squad in the hope that he may join England's stars in South Africa. And, with the World Cup fast approaching, he knows now that he must be at his best at club level for City if he is to achieve that international target. Richards says that it is disappointing and frustrating to learn that veteran defender Gary Neville is perhaps favoured over himself, despite the City star stealing his place three years ago. He also admits a certain sadness at missing out on England's Euro 2008 campaign despite his efforts in the build up to the tournament. "It's definitely frustrating and every time the full squad's named and I'm not in there I'm devastated, because I know with my ability that I think I should be," he told The Independent. "If you look at my England career, I've played 11 times and in all those games I think I've done reasonably well. "I could watch them over and over again, and it was just the disappointment of not going to the [2008] Euros." Richards' talent was noticed at an early age on the international scene, having been awarded his first cap at the age of 17 against Holland. The best he has achieved under Capello, though, is a slot on the bench in the Italian's first ever game in charge. Asked why he thinks Capello favours the likes of Wes Brown and Glen Johnson over himself, Richards said: "I don't know, I can't comment on that. "He is the boss and he makes the final decisions." He added: When the time is right I will be in there. "I've dropped down to the Under-21s to learn my trade a bit more before I'm thrown back in. "It is my dream. I'll keep working hard and see what happens."