Richardson's Rise Continues as England Call

By Chris O'Brien
May 19 2005

Kieran Richardson has been handed a shock England call-up ahead of the national team's unpopular May tour of North America. Sven Goran Eriksson has invited the 20-year-old to join his injury-hit squad ahead of games with the United States of America and Columbia.

Kieran Richardson returned to Old Trafford blessed with the amazing news that he has been handed a shock England call-up for the forthcoming North American tour. Supporters of both United and West Bromwich Albion, whom Richardson has spent most of the season on loan with, have hailed his Premiership performances but few expected Sven Goran Eriksson to give Richardson the chance that his displays have merited.

Richardson has always been regarded as one of the brightest prospects at United, but first-team opportunities have been at a premium and there were few eyebrows raised when Sir Alex Ferguson sent him out on loan to the Hawthorns in January. His performances under ex-Red Bryan Robson helped the Baggies stay in the top flight, and he now moves back to Lancashire deserving a chance to prove himself to Sir Alex Ferguson at senior level.

The 20-year-old, who has made steady progress since moving to United from West Ham in 2002, joins fellow Reds Gary and Phil Neville, Wes Brown and Alan Smith on England USA Tour. Wayne Rooney and Rio Ferdinand both miss the trip over fitness concerns. Richardson will be hoping to make his debut in the white shirt against either the United States of America on May 28, or against Columbia only a few days later. His addition to the squad comes at the expense of Shaun Wright-Phillips of Manchester City, suffering knee trouble.

"It's a great honour to play for your country and it just shows how well I've been playing recently," said the versatile winger, who netted 3 goals in 13 appearances for the Midlands outfit.

"If it wasn't for West Brom I wouldn't be in the position I'm in right now. Playing regularly has given me the chance to show people what I can do and I've grown in confidence."

Richardson has represented England at youth level, although is inexperienced on the international stage having taken part in only three games for the under-21's. The call up is testimony to his superb performances for the Baggies, and he will surely have a real crack at hitting the big time both with his country and club over the next year.

Many congratulations from ManUtdWeb. Well deserved.