The Manchester United defender featured in Tuesday’s farewell game in Brazil as the Three Lions were held to a goalless draw by Costa Rica, which was his first involvement in the Finals.
Smalling and Roy Hodgson applaud the England fans after the game with Costa Rica
And despite the initial letdown of coming home from the World Cup without a win, Smalling says he is already wishing September’s trip to face Switzerland in Euro 2016 qualifying could "come around tomorrow" and that he wants to be a part of Roy Hodgson's squad again.
"Next season I will look to really kick on and cement my position," said Smalling, before the squad set off on their journey back to England.
"It's the end of the season now, so obviously we will go on a break.
"But I feel that if I get my chance like I did [against Costa Rica], I can go out there and deliver.
"Roy knows that I am a centre-back and I really want to cement [a starting place] and be that No1.
“I feel that if I get my chance like I did [against Costa Rica], I can go out there and deliver”
Chris Smalling
"Hopefully, if I can go back to my club in the summer and do that, I can hopefully cement it for England as well.
"I am ready for this chance and it is about time I took it."
Smalling was also quick to pay tribute to the English supporters in Brazil, who gave the squad backing throughout the game in Belo Horizonte and also at full-time despite having no further matches to look forward to in South America.
"It was a really touching moment that they were really right behind us at the end," added the 24-year-old.
"Even when we got to the hotel in Belo Horizonte, they were cheering us all the way despite the disappointment.
"You could accept it if they turned on us but they didn't - they have been terrific all the way through, it was great to see and it will drive us on for next time to make sure we deliver."
