Pennant holds England hope

Pennant: England dream

Stoke winger Jermaine Pennant has admitted it does bother him that he has never been considered for England duty, but he is still hoping for a chance.

Pennant represented his country at Under 21 level and was tipped to enjoy a successful career as a youngster.

However, now 28, he has still not earned a senior cap and he believes his reputation may have counted against him.

The former Liverpool player has been no stranger to controversy, spending 31 days in prison for driving offences in 2005, but he insists he is now more mature.

Pennant, who remains the only Englishman to have played in the UEFA Champions League final never to have been picked for his country, believes he would prove to be a reliable member of the Three Lions squad if called upon by Fabio Capello.

"I've never been mentioned for England. Even playing in a Champions League final didn't mean anything," Pennant, who played in Liverpool's defeat to AC Milan in 2007, told the Mail on Sunday.

No aggro

"Maybe the off-the-pitch incidents and misdemeanours have played a big part. Maybe that's why I am overlooked.

'But that's wrong. I'd be a responsible member of the England squad. I always work for the manager.

"I don't give Tony Pulis problems so why would I give Fabio Capello a problem? I'm not a person who goes into a dressing room and causes aggro.

"Sometimes, I'm a bit lively and bubbly, but that isn't a bad thing. I'm not disrespectful to people, I'm not rude to managers. I listen to what they say. I'd still like a chance for England."