Warnock surprised by England call
by Chris Stanton, 13 May 2008
Stephen Warnock was shocked to hear he had been named in England’s latest squad, but believes his call-up is vindication of his decision to leave Liverpool and join Blackburn.
The 26-year-old left back named in the England squad to face USA and Trinidad & Tobago at the end of May is hoping he will be handed his international debut by Fabio Capello two and a half years after his first and only previous call-up under Sven Goran Eriksson.
Warnock admitted he thought his chance had gone.
He said: "I'm more shocked than anything.
"It's a bit of a surprise because I wasn't expecting it. I'd booked holidays fully expecting to have a bit of a break.
"I actually got a phone call from Bents [David Bentley] on the way home from Birmingham saying cancel your holidays you're going away with the England squad'. So that was the first I heard of it."
He added: "I knew that if I came to Blackburn and played week-in, week-out, I'd give myself a chance. That's turned out to be the right decision.
"I must be doing something right, but I just hope it's enough to earn a start and try to show him [Capello] what I can do."
Rovers chairman John Williams believes Warnock's recognition is long overdue and is delighted his club now have two players - Warnock and David Bentley - in the England frame.
He said: "It's great news and it's well deserved. We've now got two players in the squad and that's brilliant for the club.
"I remember saying about a year ago that he must be due a call-up and I know that Mark Hughes has continued to support the player as you would expect."