to give him a chance to prove himself on the international
stage.
The 24-year-old is in outstanding form for Manchester City and is
being strongly linked with a first call-up.
England's next match is a friendly with Spain in February and many
feel Barton could well feature.
"I'd love to be involved with England," he told The Sun.
"I'm not the best player in the world but I wouldn't be going along
for the ride like some players seem to do.
"You know, train a couple of days, wear the tracksuit but just
shrug your shoulders when told you're not playing.
"I wouldn't be like Lampard or Gerrard, who are superstars at their
clubs and want the limelight at England.
"If there were two balls on the pitch England would be successful
but it's been proven they don't work together.
"If they want somebody to do the c**p jobs for them, then I'd like
to think I was capable of doing that.
"Win the ball back, give it to either one of them and let them pull
the strings - that's fine by me."