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Baines ? On the International Scrap Heap?

Despite the slow start to his Everton career, Leighton Baines has grown into the role of Everton's first choice Left Back. At his best, Baines is quick, defensively sound, and has an attack-minded cultured left peg which chips in with assists throughout the season.

As Baines established himself, we Evertonians began to suggest he was deserving of an England call-up. For a long time, it looked like such a thing was unlikely. Then an opportunity was handed to Baines in the form of Vanessa Perroncel. A combination of the French model and John Terry?s overactive sex drive forced England?s second left-back Wayne Bridges into International retirement.

All of a sudden, there was a space available in the squad and most probably a seat to the World Cup. Nicky Shorey, Liam Ridgewell, Stephen Warnock and even Phil Neville were debated by the press but it was Baines who emerged as the favourite to fill the gap. It was Warnock and Baines who were called-up by Capello and it was Baines who was given the first chance to impress when handed his England debut against Egypt. Many expected Baines and Warnock to have half a match each but it was Baines who played the full 90 minutes and looked solid if unspectacular in the 3-1 win.

A couple of months later, England were playing their final friendlies before the World Cup and again Baines was selected for the squad. Baines played another full 90 minutes against Mexico while Warnock again looked on from the bench. It wasn?t a great performance by Baines but he had played two 90-minute games while Warnock had just sat on the bench. Baines looked to have booked his place on the plane and was all set to be Ashley Cole?s World Cup back-up.

Then Baines baffled nearly everyone by giving an interview in which he expressed concerns about possibly being homesick if selected for the World Cup. Maybe it was just naivety on the part of Baines but Capello obviously took notice and decided that even though Warnock hadn?t been involved in the friendlies he would be the safer option for the World Cup. Baines was left out of the World Cup squad but placed on standby in case anything happed to Cole or Warnock. Nothing did happen and Baines spent the summer watching the World Cup on television just like the rest of us.

Anyway, in the aftermath of England?s disappointing World Cup performances, many fans believed Capello would change personnel and maybe Baines would find himself back in favour for the friendly against Hungary later this week. The squad was announced and as usual Ashley Cole retained his position but Stephen Warnock was omitted, leaving a space for a new left-back. But, despite being the back-up for the World Cup, Baines was not given that space. Instead, it went to Arsenal?s Kieran Gibbs.

Last season, Gibbs played three times in the Premier League, twice in the European Cup and twice in the League Cup. That?s seven games in total but that was enough to convince Capello that he was a better option then Baines who played 39 times for Everton last season.

Where Baines stands in the England running now is anybody's guess. Gibbs is only 21 years old but, if he can't win a place in the Arsenal team, how can Capello continue to pick him? Even if Gibbs fails to hold on to the place, it's likely that next in line would be Stephen Warnock.

Is there a way back for Leighton Baines? One bad interview appears to have placed Baines on the International scrap heap at the age of 25.

Evertonians will tell you that Baines is a very good player. The main problem is that he?s a quiet family-orientated man who needs time to build confidence. He suffered in the early part of his Everton career with confidence but, once gained, he never looked back and is now one of Everton?s most consistent performers.

Will Baines be given another chance at International level? Will Capello give him the time to gain confidence and find his place in the squad? Does family man / homebody Leighton Baines even want another chance?

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