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England the perfect remedy for Lescott

  • Monday, 01 June, 2009
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  • Joleon Lescott believes victory over Kazakhstan would go some way to easing his FA Cup Final heartache.

Joleon Lescott targets England win to ease Cup Final heartache.

Kazakhstan v England
2010 FIFA World CupTM Qualifier
4pm (BST), Saturday 6 June 2009
Central Stadium, Almaty
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 Joleon Lescott believes victory in Kazakhstan would be the perfect way to get over his FA Cup Final heartache and he has also targeted a regular place in Fabio Capello's England squad.

The defender was a member of the Everton side that lost out to Chelsea in Saturday's showpiece Final at Wembley.

And Lescott says a win in Almaty on Saturday, which would take Fabio Capello's side a step closer to the World Cup Finals, would ease his pain.

With Rio Ferdinand an injury doubt, the 26-year-old may be asked to step in and Lescott is adamant a good performance could see him become a regular member of The Three Lions squad.

"This is definitely the perfect way to get over Saturday," said Lescott, who has six caps for his country.

"It was a great disappointment for me and the club [but] obviously we have to get over it now, international duty beckons and we're concentrating fully on that."

He added: "I haven't stamped my authority on the [England] squad yet. I'm in and out so I want to knuckle down, train hard and hopefully get in the squad more regularly.

"Would I like to start? It would be nice, but I don't want to see Rio injured, he's one of the best in the world.

"But it would be a chance of a way in, and if he's not selected I'll be looking forward to it if I'm involved."

And Lescott admits that England's superb form under Capello, which has seen them take the maximum 15 points from their opening five qualifiers, has given the squad a huge amount of confidence, although he will not be underestimating Kazakhstan.

"I think the results in the previous games breeds confidence and that creates a camaraderie and a fully focussed team," said Lescott, who has formed a superb partnership at club level with fellow England international Phil Jagielka.

"But the home leg against Kazakhstan [a 5-1 victory at Wembley Stadium in October] was really hard, especially in the first half.

"They pressed us a team and as a unit, so we know it's not going to be an easy game and we need to go out there fully focussed on the job in hand."

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