Source: PA
Dawson feared for the future
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 as the chance to stake a claim to face Wales in next month's Euro 2012 qualifier in Cardiff. Dawson was part of the World Cup squad last summer as a late replacement for injured captain Rio Ferdinand, although he did not taste any action.
He finally won his first cap against Hungary at Wembley in August but suffered ankle and knee injuries in the European Championship qualifying clash with Bulgaria a month later that left him thinking his campaign could be over. But Dawson was back playing within three months and is now anxious to make up for lost time with club - via the Champions League - and country.
Dawson said: "The season started so well with Tottenham qualifying for the Champions League against Young Boys and with then finally getting the first England cap. 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'. 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."
