Manchester City defender has insisted that he would love to play for England again, but will not beg for an international recall from Three Lions boss Roy Hodgson.

Richards has not played for his country since last February, when Stuart Pearce was in caretaker charge following Fabio Capello's exit as England boss.

Under Hodgson chances have been limited for the full-back, who turned down the chance to be on stand-by for last summer's European Championships in favour of playing at the Olympic Games.

After finding chances limited under Hodgson the City defender has declared that he still has ambitions to represent England, but will not be a "charity case" and plead for his place.

He told The Guardian: "It was one of those where Stuart Pearce asked me to go to the Olympics and not go on standby [for Euro 2012]. If I went on standby I might not have made the Olympics and that was one of the highlights of my career.

"I'm not going to beg for him to pick me, I'm not some sort of charity case. If he needs me I will be there because everyone wants to play for their country.

"I always take it as it comes. I have not been involved for two years. Stuart Pearce gave me a game when he got it, I want to play for my country and I would be happy if I did."

The 25-year-old has made 13 England appearances since his debut in 2006, scoring once in a European Championship qualifier against Israel at Wembley.