DOHA, Nov 12 – Wes Brown is determined to put himself back at the centre of Fabio Capello's World Cup plans by impressing in England's friendly clash with Brazil here on Saturday.
The Manchester United defender has lost his position as England’s first-choice right-back to Glen Johnson but — with his Liverpool rival missing the trip to Qatar through injury — Brown has the chance to remind England’s head coach of his qualities.
"Glen has come in and done brilliantly with England and that’s why he’s playing at the moment," Brown admitted.
"He has shown great ability and I think it was a great move for him to go to Liverpool and he has played well all season.
"He’s shown that, if you’re playing well, you’ll get picked, and I’ve got to follow that example and hopefully stay in this squad.
"For myself I need to stay 100 percent fit and, with that, I need to play well when I get a chance.
"That’s all I’m looking for this season. When I get my chance I’ve got to take it, and hopefully I can help the team as a result."
Provided he remains clear of injury, Brown can be confident of making Capello’s final squad for South Africa because of his ability to provide cover for both Johnson and first-choice centrebacks Rio Ferdinand and John Terry.
But he insists he is not taking selection for granted.
Speaking to the Football Assocation’s website www.thefa.com, Brown added: "During World Cup year, I think it’s always in the back of your mind. If you’re playing well, then you’ll keep getting selected which is every player’s aim this season.
"It’s great that England are in another World Cup and I’m sure, if you ask all the lads, they’ll just be thinking about staying fit and hopefully getting selected for the squad next summer."
With Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic both hampered by injuries, Brown has been playing alongside Jonny Evans in the centre of defence for United in recent games, although he insists he is just as happy to operate on the right.
"We’ve played the last few games with Rio and Vida being out, and Jonny’s a great player.
"We’ve got a good understanding but the lads will hopefully be fit very soon and they’ll come back in. But I think overall myself and Jonny have done really well.
"It’s always good in terms of your fitness to be playing games regularly. I’ve played the last few games for United and coming into England now that’s a great confidence boost.
"Hopefully against Brazil, I might play a part. At the moment I’m really enjoying my football and I’m playing games so it’s good for me right now.
"Do I prefer right-back or centre-back? I think, for me, it’s just important to be out on the pitch. As a youngster I was always a centre-back, but I’ve probably played 50 percent of my games for United at right-back.
"As long as I’m out on the pitch, it really doesn’t bother me where I’m playing."
