Jack Rodwell eyeing international return

Wednesday 06 Aug 2014
Jack Rodwell completed his move to Sunderland on 5 August

Jack Rodwell is desperate to return to the England squad and hopes his recent transfer to Sunderland will put him back in the spotlight.

The midfielder has won three caps since making his debut in November 2011, but has not featured since a substitute appearance for the Three Lions in their 2-2 friendly draw against Brazil in June 2013.

And the newly-signed Black Cat admitted seeing the side return to Brazil in 2014 on the television was a tough experience.

He said: “Watching the World Cup left a little bit of a bitter taste in my mouth. 

Jack Rodwell's last England appearance was in June 2013

“I was supporting the team 100 per cent but I also wanted to be there so I think it’s time I put that right, get back playing and get back in the squad.”

Rodwell, 23, endured a frustrating stint at Manchester City during which he made just 16 League appearances. 

After an injury-blighted two years he joined Sunderland on Tuesday for an undisclosed fee.

Now onto a new chapter in his career, he is keen to put the past two years behind him and focus on the future.

"Without doubt the last couple of seasons I have not played nearly enough football as I have wanted to play,” he added.

"The regular football is the most important thing for me, to play football and get back to enjoying it, so this is a great place for me to be."

Rodwell had interested a number of Premier League clubs but said Poyet and other club officials had convinced him that the Stadium of Light was the right place.

He continued: "There was a lot of media around me moving to different teams but I met up with manager and all the people involved with the club.

“I wanted to be there so I think it’s time I put that right, get back playing and get back in the squad”

Jack Rodwell On watching the World Cup from home

"They told me about the club and their vision and it swayed me, they came across really well.

"Every time I have played here the fans have been great, you feel the passion in the north east and to be part of that is great.

"I'm just going to give my all every game, be a good box-to-box midfielder, hopefully score some goals and I will always give it 100 per cent."

Rodwell’s new side kick-off their Premier League campaign at West Bromwich Albion on 16 August.

Their first home game of the new season comes a week later when they welcome Louis van Gaal’s Manchester United to the north-east on 24 August.

By Jamie Reid Senior Writer