Aston Villa's Jermaine Jenas hopes for England recall
Last updated on .From the section Football
Jermaine Jenas wants to force his way back into the England squad for the European Championship next summer as he looks to reinvigorate his career.
The midfielder joined Aston Villa on a season-long loan from Tottenham in the transfer window and has not played for England for nearly two years.
Jenas, 28, said: "I've got to get into this team and get games under my belt.
"If I can do that, and get some form going, I've always been confident that I'm good enough to play for England."
Jenas, who made only 19 starts for Spurs last season, is in the Villa squad to face Everton on Saturday.
And although he was picked by England boss Fabio Capello in the Italian's first game in charge against Switzerland in June 2008, the last of his 21 caps came against Brazil in November 2009.
"It's just always been a problem over the last couple of years that I haven't been able to get the run of games at Tottenham," Jenas stated.
"To be fair to Fabio, he hasn't even had the chance to select me but, if I get that run, then come the end of the season my name will be in the hat for the European Championships."
The former Nottingham Forest player, who joined Spurs from Newcastle in 2005, added: "We had a huge squad [at Tottenham], I picked up the odd knock here and there which didn't help, and it is tough.
"I went on a really good run at the start of last year, started all the Champions League games, and then picked up a little niggle and next thing, someone comes in.
"It has been very frustrating for me but I'm hoping to put that behind me this year.
"I wouldn't say it is a case of having a point to prove but I would like to get out there and show what I can do.
"A lot of clubs and managers and players know what I can do but no-one has had the opportunity to see it for a few years.
"That has been my biggest downfall when it comes to getting selected in England squads."
