Joleon Lescott has revealed he may have to leave Manchester City to avoid being left behind at international level.
The 30-year-old has pulled on an England shirt 26 times and is looking forward to next year’s World Cup in Brazil.
However, he has found himself on the bench at the Etihad Stadium for much of this year and will assess his priorities this summer.
“It would be tough to have another season like this,” Lescott told The Mirror.
“I’ve only started 13 games and that’s not great going into a World Cup.”
The defender was replaced this season as skipper Vincent Kompany’s regular defensive partner by Matija Nastasic.
The 20-year-old Serb has made an impressive debut in the Premier League and Lescott’s task of moving back up the pecking order appears tough.
As well as this, competition for places in the centre of England’s defence is stiff – Gary Cahill, Phil Jagielka, Steven Caulker, Michael Dawson, Chris Smalling and Phil Jones are all available.
And Rio Ferdinand, who has been left in the international wilderness for some time, was yesterday named in the PFA Premier League team of the year.
“If my place in the squad was secure at international level then it would be a little bit easier,” Lescott added.
“I only got in the last squad by default. You can’t expect to play for England if you’re not playing for your club.
“But as long as I’m here, I’m happy to do a job for the team and the club. I’d love to stay here but if it’s not to be, then so be it.”
Image courtesy of FATV, via YouTube, with thanks.
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