Richards get England nod
Steve McClaren had no hestitation in thrusting the 18-year old into the international spotlight
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Tuesday, 14, Nov 2006 10:33
Manchester City defender Micah Richards is the surprise inclusion in Steve McClaren's England team to face the Netherlands in an international friendly tomorrow.
The 18-year-old defender steps in for the injured Gary Neville at right-back after impressing the former Middlesbrough boss on his travels around the top-flight.
Elsewhere in the side current Everton striker Andrew Johnson is paired in attack with one of the club's most famous old boys in Wayne Rooney.
Steven Gerrard, who has become so accustomed to the right flank under club manager Rafael Benitez, will continue in his second-choice position as former West Ham duo Frank Lampard and Michael Carrick start in the team's central berths.
McClaren will be looking to erase the memory of England's 2-0 capitulation against Croatia in Zagreb last month and is confident that Richards is both an exciting prospect for the future and ready for a debut in the Amsterdam ArenA.
"He is an exciting player, the new breed of player. He is big, strong, athletic, very quick and has got a fantastic leap on him," he said.
"He has come into this environment and is not fazed and is looking forward to the game."