Consistency is the key as Chris Smalling eyes regular berth

After a man-of-the-match display against Switzerland last month, Chris Smalling is eager to continue his form as he targets a regular spot in the England back-four.

The Manchester United defender has played in six of England's last eight games to take his caps tally to 19 and has been pleased to add more consistency to his game over the last year.

And now, as the Three Lions prepare for their final home Euro 2016 Qualifier against Estonia on Friday night, the 25-year-old wants to take more responsibility within Roy Hodgson's squad and become a player the manager can can rely on.   

"I've been lucky enough to work with some very good managers and I feel like over the last year I've been able to stay a lot more injury-free and get that consistent run," Smalling says in Friday's official match programme.

"My form was a bit up and down, so it was a case of showing that consistency which is something you really need at the top level. 

"I hope I can keep that going as every manager wants to have players they can rely on, and I want to be one of those for club and country."

Smalling was part of the England set-up at the World Cup in Brazil last summer, and made his tournament debut in their final game in South America against Costa Rica, when their fate was already sealed. 

With their path to the next tournament in France 2016 now secure, though, Smalling is eyeing a more central role in Hodgson's plans.

And he is confident that, if England play as they have done in qualification - on the attack and with no fear - the players and fans can have an enjoyable summer across the channel.

A full interview with Smalling is in Friday's match programme

"You like to hope you'd play in a World Cup in different circumstances," he said. "But it was an occasion on which I had nothing to lose; we knew we were going home after the game. 

"I just wanted to go out there and try to enjoy the moment. There is no bigger stage than the World Cup, so to play 90 minutes was an experience I really enjoyed, albeit coming at the end of a brief World Cup for the team." 

He continued: "I think it’s a case of us going to France with no fear. 

"A lot of these games in qualifying we have done that, we press teams and attack, and that's something we really need to concentrate on and take into the tournament, and some of our high-profile friendlies, too. 

Smalling is eyeing his first goal for England

"When we sit off we invite the pressure, but we are a very quick team going forward and we need to utilise that. 

"We need to play on the front foot and I think that will be a factor in us being successful next summer."

Smalling is yet to find the target for England but after bagging a Champions League winner for United against Wolfsburg last week, he is also hoping he can finally break his duck for his country.

"It would be nice," he smiled. "I've had a few chances in the last few games so it would be amazing to get my first goal for England. 

"I've popped up with a few for United. Needless to say if it happened for England it would be pretty special."

Tickets for Friday's game are still available to buy online, visit www.TheFA.com/tickets to secure your seats for the Three Lions' final home Euro 2016 Qualifier.