Nathaniel Clyne determined to impress for England
Nathaniel Clyne hopes to become England’s regular right-back after forcing his way into Roy Hodgson’s squad for the European Championship qualifiers.
The 23-year-old defender has produced some impressive early-season displays for Southampton and was rewarded with a first call-up to the senior squad for this week’s games against San Marino and Estonia.
Hodgson may hand Clyne a starting berth in the absence of injured trio Glen Johnson, Kyle Walker and John Stones, and the former England Under-21 player is keen to prove his worth.
"I need to go there and the training sessions and show what I am about and hopefully I will get my chance and start for England," he said.
"The aim is to take it step by step but I am not here for fun and games. I am here to nail my colours to the mast and hopefully I will take that right-back position and make it my own.
"I am not really focused on who is in or who is out, who is injured or not. I am just focusing on myself and if I am doing well then hopefully I will get a chance, like I have done, and play well when I get an opportunity."
The former Crystal Palace player has remained a regular starter under new Saints manager Ronald Koeman, even weighing in with two goals, but was still stunned by his selection last week.
"The call up still came as a surprise to me," said Clyne.
"I am still up and coming in the game and I still need to improve on my game. Hopefully this will be another step for me, to play for England, and hopefully I will improve.
"I am buzzing and I can't wait to get started and join in with the lads. They are world-class players and to see what they are like in training and hopefully I can match up to that."
England will host San Marino at Wembley on Thursday before flying out to Estonia for Sunday's clash in Tallinn.