Sol Campbell thinks he can shine for England

Sep 2 2010 by Luke Edwards, The Journal

SOL Campbell has no desire to wind down at Newcastle United as the vastly experienced centre-half admitted he still harbours international ambitions despite never playing under Fabio Capello.

Campbell made his first public appearance for the Magpies in the 3-1 reserve victory over Sunderland on Tuesday night and is itching to make his Premier League debut for his new club.

The form of Fabricio Coloccini and Mike Williamson is likely to mean he will have to make do with a place on the substitutes bench when United return to action against Blackpool in nine days time, but Campbell is clearly not here for one last payday.

At 35, the former Tottenham and Arsenal defender is as hungry and determined as ever as he looks to push Newcastle into the top half of the table and keep up the pressure on England’s Italian manager to add to his 73 caps.

“I haven’t come to Newcastle as a last hurrah,” said Campbell, who argues Newcastle should believe they can do more than just survive on their return to the top flight. “And I still believe I have what it takes to play for England.

“I still have the passion, the fire in my belly. I want to win. But you just can’t do anything about it anymore. So I am not going to fight. I am going to fight on the pitch for Newcastle and if it comes to the stage where someone says ‘can you fight for England’ then I’ll fight for England.

“I am not going to go on about it. It is just not worth it. I think I am just going to concentrate on Newcastle and if anything happens at a later stage it happens at a later stage. Really, I have just got to get my football right for Newcastle and concentrate on moving them up in the right direction and if anything happens in the future it happens in the future.”