Tottenham defender Michael Dawson admits he feared his season was over the last time he pulled on an England shirt.
But Dawson now views his international comeback against Denmark on Wednesday as the chance to stake a claim to face Wales in next month's Euro 2012 qualifier in Cardiff.
He suffered ankle and knee injuries in the European Championship qualifying clash with Bulgaria but Dawson was back playing within three months, and said: "The game started so well against Bulgaria but then came the bad injury. It looked a lot worse at the time and everyone was saying to me 'be prepared for eight months out - the whole season'."
He added: "I did my ankle and knee at the same time. Everyone thought it was my cruciate but thankfully it wasn't.
"The ankle was worse and it became swollen and I could not get rid of it. Fortunately, I was only out for three months - although that was enough.
"That is in the past now, I have played lots of games for Spurs and now I am looking forward to Denmark with England.
"I am happy the chance with England again has come around again.
"I have been back playing for a couple of months and, if you get in England squad, it is through what I have been doing for Spurs.
"I want to do as well as possible and Wednesday is a chance to stake a claim for Cardiff next month, a qualifier.
"Every game is big for me. This game, for players who haven't got too many caps, is a great chance to make a case for next month."
Source: PA
