The defender is yet to speak to Capello since being dropped from the England squad but he is hoping to impress the Italian while on Under-21 duty this summer.

Richards' last appearance for the seniors was the defeat to Croatia that confirmed England's failure to reach Euro 2008 and the end of Steve McClaren's reign, with Capello preferring Wes Brown, Glen Johnson and even Gary Neville since his appointment.

Capello explained recently that Richards was not ready for the seniors but the Manchester City defender is determined to persuade him.

my standard

While David Bentley and Gabriel Agbonlahor chose not to play in the European Under-21 Championship two years ago, Richards views this year's finals in Sweden as a chance to impress - and he started with the winner against Finland in the Group B opener.

"Whether I am in the Under-21s or seniors I will always be totally professional and give it my all," said the 20-year-old.

"I showed that against Finland. I will do my best. My aim is to get back into the seniors, but if I have to play at this level a few more times then I will to prove myself again.

"I have not spoken to Fabio. I am just trying to get my performances back up to my standard then hopefully I will be in with a shout. I think I have been up and down this season."

After looking an uncompromising presence in the City defence in the 2007/08 season, Richards struggled for form in the previous campaign.