Richards praises Pearce
13 July 2012 12:14
Manchester City defender Micah Richards has tipped Team GB boss Stuart Pearce to be a future England manager.
The 24-year-old right-back goes to the tournament as one of the three over-age players in the 18-man squad alongside captain Ryan Giggs and Craig Bellamy.
After ignoring the claims of Los Angeles Galaxy midfielder David Beckham, Richards believes the fact that Pearce is not afraid to go against the grain will stand him in good stead in the future.
"When Stuart gave me the call and asked me if I was keen to be part of it, I said 'definitely'," Richard told reporters.
"People say it's not a Euros, it's not a World Cup, but it's a once in a lifetime opportunity and when he asked me I jumped at the chance.
"To say to your kids and grandkids that you represented your country at the Olympics is massive.
"With Stuart, he's not afraid to do his own thing. When he took charge of England against Holland in February he changed a lot of faces.
"Here a lot of people were talking about David Beckham, but Stuart has gone with what he thought would be right for the team.
"I think that's a sign of a good manager, and I do believe in the future he will get the England job.
"I said back in February I didn't want him to get it too soon because I didn't want people to crucify him, but as he gets more experience I think he'll definitely get the job. Stuart gave me my debut at City and he's been amazing for me.
"Of all my managers, he's had the most belief in me. He made me captain of the England Under-21s, then when he got the job for the seniors against Holland he played me.
"Now he's picked me for GB and it shows the massive faith he has in me. It would be nice to repay it."
