Lescott may quit Man City to boost his England dream

Posted Monday, April 29, 2013 by The Sun

Lescott may quit Man City to boost his England dream JOLEON LESCOTT admits he will have to think long and hard about his future — with John Terry’s shock England U-turn adding to his dilemma.

The Manchester City defender has played only a bit-part role for the outgoing champions this term, although he was handed a rare start on Saturday.

And with the World Cup looming next summer — assuming England qualify — Lescott had a wake-up call last month when he was left out of Roy Hodgson’s squad.

He got a reprieve due to injuries ahead of the qualifiers against San Marino and Montenegro but knows he may not be quite as lucky next time.

So while he would love to stay and try to earn a new deal at the Etihad, Lescott knows he needs to play regularly if he is to win a seat on the plane to Brazil.

And Terry’s possible return turns the heat up further.

His future is up in the air anyway with only one year left on his current deal.

The former Everton man said: “It would be tough to have another season like this. I’ve only started 15 or so games and that is not great going into a World Cup.

“If my place in the squad was secure at international level then it would be a little easier.

“I only got in the last squad by default. It was a reality check and made me realise I need to make a decision and it needs to be the right one for my career.”

Lescott has played a key part in City’s dramatic rise and is well-placed to add to his medal collection with an FA Cup final against Wigan looming next month.

He knows City offer him a chance to keep on winning silverware but knows, at 30, he should be entering his prime as a centre-half and playing on a regular basis.

Lescott added: “I’d like to stay, definitely. With the way the club is progressing, we’ve opportunities to win another trophy this year. We could be one of the few clubs in England to win something.

“It’s a special club to me now. I’ve been here a long time and they showed persistence to get me here. We’ve done a lot together.”

Asked if Terry’s change of heart affected him, he said: “No, not really. It’s up to John. If I’m playing at a consistent level I can retain my place in the England team. I’m sure John feels the same.

“The main objective is to play for your club. Then you’ve got a better chance.

“I understand I’m not playing as regularly in the England team because I’m not playing regularly at club level.”

With Kolo Toure certain to leave City in the summer, Lescott’s future hangs in the balance so he knows the FA Cup final at Wembley on May 11 could effectively be his swan-song.

He said: “We’ve got two league games after that but I’ve played in the majority of the cup games this season so it’s up to the boss.

“It would be a great achievement to win another trophy. And if I can say I’ve won two FA Cups, the Premier League and a Community Shield during my time at City then it wouldn’t be too bad, would it?

“I’d love to stay but if it’s not to be then so be it.”

Lescott and his fellow defenders were hardly troubled by a toothless West Ham in the first half and the only surprise was the home side had the one goal to show for their dominance.

Mind you, it was a super goal as Yaya Toure, David Silva and Samir Nasri all combined to tee up Sergio Aguero, who beat Jussi Jaaskelainen from close range.

Pablo Zabaleta wasted a good chance to make it 2-0 while Samir Nasri spurned a series of opportunities and City were almost punished as James Collins went close.

But Yaya Toure made the points safe and helped City take another step towards securing second as he lashed a ferocious shot from 20 yards into the top corner seven minutes from time. The Hammers did get the goal their second-half efforts merited.

Andy Carroll pounced on a loose ball in the area and fired a low shot through the grasp of Joe Hart who, in his defence, was suffering with a back injury.

Lescott admitted he enjoyed his battle with his Three Lions team-mate.

He added: “I’ve trained with Andy a lot but it’s different in a game, there is a lot more effort and enthusiasm.

“We had to be aware when they got the ball out wide as Andy, as everyone knows, loves to attack a cross. We dealt with it well a majority of times.”