Joleon Lescott knows his World Cup hopes are hanging in the balance – unless he can find his way back into Manchester City’s line-up.
The defender has been a regular face in Roy Hodgson’s in recent years after being one of the Premier League’s most impressive defenders in helping City win the Premier League in 2012.
But Lescott, 31, has found himself largely sidelined under new City boss Manuel Pellegrini since the start of this campaign, starting just eight games in all competitions and he hasn't featured for England since March.
And the former Everton and Wolves star knows any chance of a trip to Brazil for the World Cup this summer depends on whether he can catch the eye again at the Etihad Stadium.
He admitted: “It does not look like I am going [to the World Cup] at the minute. I have not been in the last few squads, so it is going to be hard.
“I need to be given a fair opportunity, it is hard not playing.”
Joleon Lescott Manchester City and England
“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 can't look that far ahead but I have not given up - I know that comes from playing for Man City, so the faster I can get myself back in at City the better.”
Lescott was in the City line-up for their Champions League victory against Viktoria Plzen in midweek after a substitute appearance against Spurs last Sunday.
And with injuries disrupting the City defence at the moment, he is likely to start against Swansea City on Sunday.
“I need to be given a fair opportunity, it is hard not playing. No professional enjoys it and I am no different,” added Lescott, who has 26 caps for the Three Lions.
Joleon Lescott in action against for England San Marino in 2013.
“We all train through the week to play and then when you are not, it is disheartening.
“No-one can guarantee I am going to play every week but I would like to think that if I am playing and the team is playing well, then I can stay in the team.
“I just want to be treated the same as everyone else. So if I am playing and the team is winning, then I stay in the team, the same as everyone else.
“Realistically, there is only one place up for grabs when Vinny [Kompany] is fit - there are three of us for fighting for that, but I am ready for the challenge.”
