• Left-back determined to seize his opportunity
• Everton’s good form has helped his case
Leighton Baines, the Everton left-back, is determined to stake a claim for an England World Cup squad place by taking advantage of Wayne Bridge’s decision to retire from international football.
The former Wigan defender, who has 16 Under-21 caps, was called into Fabio Capello’s squad for Wednesday’s friendly against Egypt in the absence of the injured Ashley Cole and his usual understudy Bridge. Aston Villa’s Stephen Warnock has also been selected as Capello assesses his options at left-back.
“I was delighted to get called up,” Baines said. “Obviously it’s been on my mind for one reason or another and people have been talking about it, so it was nice to get the call. The fact Everton have been playing so well has helped. We’ve done very well in the last couple of months and the good teams get noticed.”
Baines, who has been named in the squad before but is yet to make a debut, is relishing the moment. “I’m looking forward to the experience and just hope I get an opportunity,” he said. “I think every player in and around the squad will be thinking about the World Cup. It’s a way off yet but it’s only natural for it to be on your mind.”
EnglandEvertonguardian.co.uk
