Are England really so desperate that they would require the services of Joey Barton? And how modest of Barton to think he would be required too...
Football's bad boy, who only has one England cap, has been very vocal on Twitter and in the media, often criticising England, so it seems unlikely that Roy Hodgson would consider bringing him into his relatively young squad during the season ahead.
This is what he had to say regarding the England situation:
After reviewing England's performance at the WC, I have decided renounce my international retirement.
— Joseph Barton (@Joey7Barton) July 14, 2014
His last top flight appearance in England was when he infamously got sent off at the Etihad Stadium for elbowing Carlos Tevez, kicking Sergio Aguero and headbutting Vincent Kompany on the day City sealed the Premier League title in May 2012 - so it seems very unlikely that the 31-year-old's antics would benefit the national team in any way.
While many would have thought he was joking, Barton went on to tweet:
Having seen the standard, I believe its possible. Having played at the level before I feel I am a better player now than when I was capped.
— Joseph Barton (@Joey7Barton) July 14, 2014
People might not know whether I'm being serious or not. Trust me, I am deadly serious. Thats all I'll say on the matter for now.
— Joseph Barton (@Joey7Barton) July 14, 2014
Where England will go from here remains to be seen, but one thing's for sure: The future success of the country does not lie in the hands of Joey Barton...