Jonjo Shelvey has spoken of his delight to be back involved in the England setup – and says he will do everything he can to ‘cement’ his place in the squad.
The Swansea City midfielder was this week recalled to Roy Hodgson’s squad almost three years since earning his only international cap to date.
That was won against San Marino – who England face on Saturday as they bid to rubber-stamp their place at Euro 2016.
San Marino v England
UEFA EURO 2016 Qualifier
5pm, Saturday 5 September 2015
San Marino Stadium, Serravalle
Live on ITV
But the 23-year-old says he just wants to take his chance regardless of who or where he plays.
“It’s obviously down to Roy, if I get to start,” he said.
“I’ll play anywhere for my country. It’s just an honour to be here and hopefully I can get a chance to start a game and show everyone what I can do.
“It seems to be that every time I get called up it’s against San Marino! I just want to get a start.
“Hopefully I can get one and then it’s down to me to cement my place in this squad and then go back to my club and perform on a consistent basis.”
England head to Serravalle to take on Group E’s bottom club on Saturday, with a 100 per cent record to protect.
Jonjo Shelvey stops to sign autographs for England fans
A victory would also take the Three Lions to 21 points, and assure them of a place at the finals in France in 2016.
Shelvey says the entire squad is determined to get the job at the earliest available opportunity.
“Roy spoke about it last night in the meeting, and hopefully we go out there and do that. There’s no reason why we can’t," he continued.
"There’s definitely enough ability in the team to go and do that. No matter who we play I feel that anyone can go out there and do a job.
“It would take the pressure off the team and get us ready for the European Championships.
“But I don’t think Roy wants to take the pressure off. He’s always looking for the next step.
“Hopefully we can go out and win the first game and that gives us a great stepping stone for Switzerland.”
“I’m sure if I play I’ll try and set him up for those two goals. He’s a great player and hopefully he can do it”
Jonjo Shelvey on helping Wayne Rooney break the record
As well as securing qualification, Saturday’s fixture against San Marino carries another sub-plot as England captain Wayne Rooney homes in on Sir Bobby Charlton scoring record.
And Shelvey ended by complimenting the Manchester United man’s achievements, and said he would do everything he can to help his team-mate over the line and into the record books.
“For me he’s the best English player in England. He’s a tremendous player,” he added.
“I’m sure if I play I’ll try and set him up for those two goals, but he’s a great player and hopefully he can do it.
“He’ll do it in time, but I’m sure he wants it dead and buried and just get the record.”
