Sol Campbell thinks he can shine for England
Sep 2 2010 by Luke Edwards, The Journal
Campbell is frustrated by Capello’s decision to ignore him, particularly given the fact he gambled on an unfit defender like Ledley King at the World Cup in South Africa, but even if he does not fit into the manager’s plans he will not retire from international football.
He said: “You can’t do anything about it. If people don’t like you, people don’t like you. It’s as simple as that. I think it all comes down to who is at the helm and the people behind the associations.
“They are going to make all the decisions and also the mentality of the nation. You go to Italy and defenders and goalkeepers can go on and on and on really. You can roll the names off of the guys who have played well into their late 30s at international level, so I think it sometimes goes down to mentality.
“If you are still fit, still strong and still want it, it doesn’t matter where you are at with your age. If you are fit and you are strong, then you have got the experience so I think there should be no problem really.
“I played well last season (for Arsenal) and felt I was there or thereabouts in terms of international football, but if people don’t like you it is not going to happen. I never mentioned I was retiring, but then maybe I should have retired and maybe he (Capello) would have brought me out. Who knows?”
As for Newcastle, Campbell has a good feeling about what this team can go on to achieve after picking up four points from their first three games without him. He said: “I think definitely a top-half finish and then keep on pushing. It is always nice to win a bit of silverware – the League Cup or FA Cup would be nice – but also qualifying for Europe.
“You have got to set your standards high and keep on pushing. That is the only way you can do football.
“I think we will surprise a few teams this season. We have to keep our feet on the ground and make sure we do all the right things and we have to stay fit.
“A few injuries and we might suffer, but as long as we keep a fit team we should be all right.”
