Source: Team_Talk
Dawson targeting England start
Michael Dawson is eyeing a starting role in England's forthcoming Euro 2012 qualifiers.[LNB] The Spurs centre-back bagged his first Three Lions cap during this month's friendly win over Hungary and has been selected by Fabio Capello for September's qualifiers against Bulgaria and Switzerland.[LNB]Dawson revealed he is delighted to be in the England fold once again, after being an unused member of Capello's World Cup squad in South Africa.[LNB]And with regular centre-back John Terry ruled out of the international double-header, the 26-year-old centre-back is keen to press home a place in the first XI.[LNB]"When you get a call-up for England it's always a great feeling," Dawson told Sky Sports News Radio. [LNB]"I finally got my first cap and it's nice to be involved in two massive games."[LNB]On his chances of starting Friday's Group G opener at Wembley, the former Nottingham Forest stopper added: "We'll just have to wait and see what the manager does.[LNB]"John Terry is out injured and I'm always hopeful of playing but there are some fantastic players in the squad."[LNB]Dawson, who will be vying with the likes of Phil Jagielka, Joleon Lescott, Gary Cahill and Matthew Upson to start against Bulgaria, insists England are ready to get their qualifying bid off to the best possible start.[LNB]"We know it's going to be a tough game," he said. "Bulgaria are a good team but we're always going to be positive of picking up three points."[LNB]"We're looking forward to hopefully qualifying for a massive tournament and making sure we do well."[LNB]The Spurs man will get his first taste of Champions League football this season after Harry Redknapp's side overcame Young Boys in their play-off to book a place in the group stage of Europe's top club competition.[LNB]And with White Hart Lane set to host Inter Milan, Werder Bremen and FC Twente over the coming months, Dawson is excited about playing against the continent's elite.[LNB]"Just to be in the hat last Thursday was fantastic," he said. "To finally get in the group stages of the Champions League is a fantastic achievement.[LNB]On the thought of playing at Inter's famous ground, Dawson added: "The San Siro it's a fantastic stadium and it's going to be a good test for us and a good night and I'm sure we'll enjoy it."[LNB]
