Aston Villa: Stephen Warnock is still keen to play for England

Aug 6 2010 by Mat Kendrick, Birmingham Mail

STEPHEN Warnock is eager to play a part in re-awakening England – after being restricted to a watching brief at the World Cup.

Fabio Capello names his first post-South Africa Three Lions squad tomorrow for Wednesday’s Wembley friendly against Hungary.

And Warnock is hoping to be called up – along with a clutch of claret and blue clubmates – after failing to get a kick in the World Cup.

The Liverpudlian left-back boasts the strange distinction of having the shortest international career with England.

Warnock made an eight-minute debut as a substitute against Trinidad and Tobago in June 2008 and has since remained a one-cap wonder.

But after enjoying the experience of being among England’s World Cup squad – despite their premature departure – the 28-year-old would love to be part of the Three Lions’ future.

“It definitely benefitted me,” said Warnock. “Playing with the best in the country at the time, if that’s what you want to call it.

“Being involved in that as a confidence-booster alone is massive.