RICHARDS UPSET AT BEING OVERLOOKED

MICAH RICHARDS took a swipe at Fabio Capello for ignoring him and choosing to recall Luke Young for last night's friendly with Brazil.

England boss Capello needed a replacement for the injured Glen Johnson and picked the Aston Villa defender ahead of Manchester City's Richards.

But Young, who had not played for his country in four years, told the FA he did not want to be considered - and Under-21 captain Richards was still snubbed by the Italian. Richards, 21, said: "I thought I might have a chance this week. I was quite disheartened when I didn't get the call.

"Glen Johnson has been flying and Wes Brown plays Champions League football for United.

"I thought, maybe, I was next in line but he decided to call Luke Young and he turned it down.

"City want the best players but I have to work hard and show people what I can do.

"Sometimes it gets you down when you hear you are moving and Dani Alves, the best right-back in the world, is coming in. But you can't let stuff get you down."

Stuart Pearce believes some of his young Lions can make the plane for the World Cup - but at this rate they will only be carrying the luggage.

The Under-21 boss watched his side labour to victory over an unimpressive Portugal thanks to a 40th-minute strike from Spurs' 19-year-old starlet Danny Rose.

England's youngsters were given a rare opportunity to shine at Wembley but appeared to suffer from nerves on the big occasion.

Pearce's side edged ahead when Andy Carroll did well to nod a long ball from Michael Mancienne into the path of Rose.

The former Leeds winger arrived in the area before taking a touch with his left foot and then finishing neatly with his right.

It was his first goal in seven caps and he had already been unlucky not to score when his header hit the bar.

Pearce admitted: "We can play better and keep the ball better.

"There is no reason why everyone out there should not have their minds on qualification for 2011, winning the tournament and winning senior caps."

The match was one of England's two games in hand over Group Nine leaders Greece.

Pearce's lads can go level on 13 points at the top of the group if they can win in Lithuania on Tuesday.

• CAPELLO LEARNS FROM BRAZIL DEFEAT

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