The 21-year-old has yet to feature under the Capello regime as the Italian coach guided England through to next summer's finals in South Africa - despite the string of defensive injuries that marred the team's preparations for the friendly match against Brazil.

But Richards, who has won 11 England caps, the last of which came in November 2007, said: "The World Cup is still my dream. It has been hard over the last two years, but all I can do is my best."

He added: "I was quite disappointed when I did not get the call for England against Brazil, but that is just football.

"If Mr Capello does not think I am ready yet, I am just going to bide my time and be patient.

"When my chance comes, I will just take it, like I did two years ago.

"For a 21-year-old to play regularly at club level is hard, especially at Manchester City now, because they want a world XI.

"It is a bit disheartening when you hear they are going after the likes of [Daniel] Alves, the best right-back in the world, or Maicon.

"But football is a confidence game and you cannot let that stuff get you down.

"You just have to keep working hard."