Micah: I'm still learning

Micah Richards has said that he is still learning his trade and is not the finished article, despite several impressive England performances. Richards had only two-dozen first-team appearances for Man City under his belt when Steve McClaren brought him into the international fold, making him England's youngest defender - and seventh youngest player of all time.

"I am still young and I am still learning," said Richards.

"I know I have a tendency to chase people all over the place sometimes but that is where Richard Dunne has been such a big help to me.

"He is always moving me into the right positions and has given me the confidence to believe in myself. With him, it is very much a case of it doesn't matter how old you are, it is your ability that counts."

Richards has credited John Terry and Richard Dunne among his mentors on his rise to becoming one of the best young defenders in Europe.

"I can't lie," he said. "I do sometimes look back and think how far I have come in a short space of time.

"But I look forward a lot more often. I am 19 and have won eight caps. In two more years I hope to have 30 or 40.

"I also look at how John Terry handles himself. He is a total leader. He has all these injuries, yet he still wants to play.

"I am trying to put what he has got into my game. I am a passionate sort of player and I enjoy the responsibility of leadership.

"I know the being captain of England is a long way off for me but it is something I would like to do in the years ahead."