Sunderland's Lee Cattermole eyes England chance
Sunderland midfielder Lee Cattermole has said that he is determined to earn a place in the England national team.
The 26-year-old has featured for his country at the youth levels, including the Under-21s.
Cattermole has been unable to get into the Three Lions’ squad so far, but the retirement of Frank Lampard and Steven Gerrard has opened space.
Manager Roy Hodgson has shown willingness to give chances to new players, and Cattermole wants to take advantage of this.
"In recent years, it's not been something for me to get too interested in because of the names that were playing like Steven Gerrard and Frank Lampard," he said.
"There was never any disappointment. But now, you see the lads getting opportunities and for me, that has got to be a motivation.
"So yes it has become a goal getting into that squad. England is going through a cycle of change right now so not only is it a great chance for the lads who are in there now, but also those who are looking to break in - players like Tom Huddlestone, Mark Noble and myself.
"That is something we probably would not have been able to do in the past. We've got a few English lads at Sunderland and I'd like to think Roy Hodgson would come up and have a look.
"But it is up to us to go out there and play well. Lads like Jack Colback and Delph, who was terrific the other night, now have a chance to form a bond and head for the Euros.
"But it's a new England squad and there are going to be opportunities for others to step up too."