Chris Smalling is desperate to impress Roy Hodgson and play in what would be one of the biggest games of his international career in Italy on Tuesday.
The Manchester United defender says he would love the chance to face one of world football's top teams and hopes his impressive club form will see him given an opportunity in England's defence.
Italy v England
International Match
7.45pm (BST), 31 March 2015
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Live on ITV
25-year-old Smalling, who made his 15th and most recent appearance in Scotland in November, says he is ready to show the England boss that he is good enough to become a regular.
He said: “I think it will be one of my biggest games. When you get to play against opposition of that calibre it is one that I will be be relishing.
“When we go out for training I will be running around trying to make sure that the manager picks me.
“I feel like I am in the form of my career and the manager has shown a lot of faith in me. I have stayed fit the last couple of months and I am enjoying my football.
Chris Smalling speaks to the press
“It is a game that everyone is looking forward to – especially since the World Cup. We have got a young squad and the results have taken care of themselves. Everyone is in a good mood.
“When you play against a top European opposition like Italy we will learn more than we did on Friday night."
Smalling says England are keen to gain some revenge over Italy following their 2-1 defeat in the opening game of the World Cup Finals in Brazil last summer.
The Three Lions are brimming with confidence aft er Friday's win over Lithuania extended their winning start to the season to a record seven games.
Smalling in training
And Smalling feels they will have nothing to fear when they come out at the new Juventus Stadium in Turin.
“No-one forgets what happened [in Brazil] and it is stuck in our thoughts. It is a big game on Tuesday.
“We are being ruthless and are together. Teams will be frightened and hopefully again on Tuesday we can show that.”
