Source: Daily_Mail
Michael Dawson keen to use Champions League experience to strengthen grip on regular England spot
Michael Dawson believes Tottenham's continued progression in the Champions League may have had a welcome spin-off for his international ambitions.[LNB]Dawson has been part of the Spurs side that has taken Europe by storm this season on their march to the quarter-finals of the number one club competition.[LNB]Cristiano Ronaldo's Real Madrid lie in wait next week, by which time Dawson might have added another cap to his England collection.[LNB] One of the boys: Michael Dawson has fitted seamlessly into the centre-back berth in Rio Ferdinand's absence[LNB]The 27-year-old made his fourth appearance for the Three Lions in yesterday's 2-0 win over Wales in Cardiff, having been surprisingly preferred to Phil Jagielka.[LNB]And, while he cannot be certain, Dawson feels Tottenham's European adventure may have played a part.[LNB]'Only Fabio Capello can say whether being in the Champions League is helping me to get picked for England,' he said. 'But I am playing against the best players in the world in the Champions League and Tottenham have done well. Maybe that has given me a bit more recognition.'[LNB]Leader: Dawson has excelled in all competitions at club level this term[LNB]Dawson admits the selection process is out of his hands and all he can do is concentrate on producing his top form for Spurs on a regular basis.[LNB]Not that it has been entirely plain sailing for Dawson as far as England is concerned this season.[LNB]Picked to partner Jagielka in the opening Euro 2012 qualifier against Bulgaria in September, Dawson suffered knee and ankle injuries that ruled him out of action for over three months.[LNB]It did not dampen his enthusiasm for England action, though, and with a comeback date for Rio Ferdinand's recovery from a calf problem still unknown, Dawson is eager to make the vacant central defensive berth his own.[LNB]'I hope to claim it as my number one spot,' he said. 'I got my chance in the first qualifier, so the injury was unfortunate timing. But I was delighted to get out there against Wales and win another cap. You know when you pull that England shirt on it is a great honour.' [LNB] Terry's warning to Rio: I'm back but you might not be after Euro win, says skipperWales 0 England 2: No mistakes from Capello's men after Lampard and Bent douse Welsh fire'Anything is possible now!' Spurs riding wave of optimism after Milan winAll the latest Tottenham news, features and opinion[LNB] Explore more:People: Rio Ferdinand, Phil Jagielka, Cristiano Ronaldo, Michael Dawson, Fabio Capello Places: Cardiff, United Kingdom, Wales, Bulgaria, Europe
