Out of the international wilderness?

James Beattie gaining an England recall? This is not something that many would have given much thought to really, is it?

To be fair as much as it pains me - being a Pompey fan, what with him formerly playing for the lot down the road and almost always doing well against us! - the guy was fantastic for Stoke after his arrival from Sheffield United in the latter half of last season, he had not exactly done badly for them either had he.

His last cap might have come in 2003 but the 31-year-old has told BBC Radio Stoke that he has not given up hope of catching Fabio Capello's eye: 'it's always in the back of your mind, but first and foremost I need to perform for Stoke City.

'If I can get that right, who knows. I'll keep my fingers crossed.'

Beattie's 7 goals in 16 games after a £3.5m move was a good return, but it was also his all-round contribution that helped play a big part in Stoke's premier league survival last season.

To be honest I cannot see him being recalled but stranger things have happened and as Capello does select based on performances at the time, as well as previous history, then maybe the five caps won to date can be added to.

Although I would not be staking too much money on this happening...would you?

His hunger to gain a recall can only be a good thing for England, and of course Stoke, I guess though...

Written by Rug, and originally posted on www.england.vitalfootball.co.uk - click here.

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