Lescott needs City place back

Lescott helped England move back to the top of Group H after earning a 1-1 mid-week draw with Poland in a World Cup qualifier in Warsaw.

He has become established as a regular member of Roy Hodgson's starting line-up, playing ever game during Euro 2012 and eight of 11 since the head coach replaced Fabio Capello.

But Lescott in contrast has struggled to hold down a regular spot at club level.

He said: "I wouldn't say it's harder to get in the City team than England, not at all.

"But I know I need to be playing for City to be called upon for England.

"I have been in and out of the (City) team this season but we had a good win and performance at Sunderland recently.

"Hopefully after the that the likes of myself, Gareth (Barry) and James (Milner) can stay in the team."

Lescott believes England can be satisfied with a share of the spoils in Poland in their final qualifier for five months.

But he also thinks it is unfa ir that keeper and City team-mate Joe Hart blamed himself for the home side's second-half equaliser.

Lescott said: "It was tough but we knew that was probably going to happen and that was going to be the case.

"It was pretty intense but we showed character to hold out for a point.

"As for their goal, I think the header might have gone in anyway whether Joe would have come or not for the ball.

"It came off me as well so it's not just down to him. I know Joe well and he will take responsibility if he feels he's made a mistake but it was my man so it's not down to one player.

"We win as a team and we have set-backs as a team - no-one is being blamed."