Rickie Lambert keen to impress with World Cup approaching

Rickie Lambert is aiming to impress for England against Denmark as he looks to secure a place in the World Cup squad.

Lambert has four caps since scoring the winner on his debut for Roy Hodgson's men in the 3-2 victory over Scotland in August.

He has remained a constant in the squad since then, and also marked his first competitive game against Moldova with another goal but is taking nothing for granted.

And with spots in Hodgson's final 23 at a premium, the Southampton striker sees Wednesday's game at Wembley as an opportunity to firm up his chances of going to Brazil in the summer.

"I’m absolutely over the moon to be here but I don’t think I’ll feel at home any time soon," Lambert told TheFA.com. "I’m determined to get back here again, but I’m just enjoying being here.

"I understand every chance, training or minutes in a game, that I get I’ve got to impress because it might be my last.

"I’ve got to give everything and that’s what I’ll be trying to do."

Lambert has led a Saints charge into the Three Lions camp this season.

In November he was joined by Southampton team-mates Jay Rodriguez and Adam Lallana for the games against Chile and Germany.

This time around, 18-year-old Luke Shaw is also in the squad after impressing in the Premier League and for England's Under-21s.

"He’s been superb. I think we all knew about Luke before he started playing with the first team anyway, but since he joined us the progression he’s had has been frightening, to be honest," Lambert said.

"He’s taken to it superbly, he hasn’t let it overwhelm him.

Lambert scored on his England debut

"I think he’s been helped with the young lads in and around him coming through at the same time which has made him feel comfortable, but he’s been superb."

The four Southampton men in the England Senior squad are not the only St Mary's players to represent the Three Lions lately.

With the Under-21s and the U19s also playing on Wednesday, Saints youngsters James Ward-Prowse, Calum Chambers and Sam Gallagher will also be in action. 

"I think it’s 17 overall in all different ages," said Lambert. "It’s absolutely superb for the club.

"A lot has been mentioned about the academy, but it just goes to show what is going on at Southampton. To see it at first hand, like I am doing, you can see why it’s happening."

Tickets for Wednesday's game against Denmark are still available, click here for details...