Man City legend tips Three Lions success at Euro 2020
Briefly part of that ‘Golden Generation’ back in the late 2000s to early 2010s, Micah Richards never quite got to live up to his potential on the international stage, making only a handful of caps, but some argue it should’ve been more.
The Man City cult hero amassed 246 appearances for the Sky Blues in just under a decade, endearing himself at Eastlands and writing his name into City folklore after helping the club to their first trophies of the Sheikh Mansour era.
Richards particularly shined during Roberto Mancini’s days as manager, rotating with fellow City legend Pablo Zabaleta in a stacked right-back slot and racking up the most assists as a defender in 2011/2012.
Most would argue that his form during the blues’ first Premier League title-winning season was more than enough to earn him a call up for England at Euro 2012, but manager Roy Hodgson thought otherwise, instead opting for Liverpool defender Glen Johnson.
Despite playing less games than Johnson, it was clear at the time who was in better form for their club, with Hodgson’s decision warranting deserved criticism.
That managerial blunder perhaps sums up Richards’ lack of luck when it came to England, but now, he insists this is probably their best chance in the last 5-10 years to actually win something.
Speaking in an exclusive interview with Bwin, ‘Meeks’ gave his thoughts on Gareth Southgate’s chances to guide the Three Lions to Euro 2020 success.
“With the Euros, I do believe England can do well,” explained the ex-Aston Villa man.
“With the likes of Sancho, Rashford, Kane and Sterling this could be England’s best time within the next five to 10 years to actually win something.
“I think the pressure from what it was supposed to be, ‘the Golden Generation’, has gone now so they can just go and enjoy the football and I think that’s why they did so well in the World Cup.
“Hopefully they can take that to the Euros as well.”
Indeed, Richards may have a point, with England’s young Lions making it all the way to the semi-finals in 2018 only to run out of steam against a world class Croatia side.