South Africa World Cup news: Gary Neville not ruling out England call-up

12/03/2010

Gary Neville is prepared to rescue Fabio Capello from his crisis over who to choose at right-back for the South Africa World Cup.

The Manchester United captain has won 85 caps for his country but is coming towards the end of his career and has not featured for the Three Lions since playing against Spain three years ago.

But the 35-year-old has seen his chances of winning selection for the South Africa World Cup boosted by the misfortune of his rivals for the full-back role.

Liverpool's Glen Johnson has only recently recovered from long-term injury, while Neville's United team-mate Wes Brown suffered a blow to his chances of adding to his existing haul of 23 caps after breaking a metatarsal against Wolves earlier this month.

While Neville admitted that a call-up to the South Africa World Cup squad would be unlikely, he said he would be happy to represent his country at the tournament.

"[Playing for England] has not happened for two to three years and I am not holding out for a call but I have not retired," he said. "I am playing for United and would play for my country."

Posted by Katie Leake