Tom Huddlestone feels his England call-up is a mark of how far he’s progressed at Tottenham Hotspur this season.
Huddlestone could earn first England cap against Brazil on Saturday, as the squad travel to Qatar for the friendly match.
And Huddlestone believes it is his regular appearances in a high-flying Tottenham first 11 that have helped him make the squad.
“We’ve had a few slip-ups, but in the main we’ve started very well. We’re fourth in the league so obviously we’re doing well.
“We’ve got a nucleus of English players and Capello seems to be rewarding the lads by picking them in the squad.
“Hopefully, if I manage to get on, I’ll be able to do myself justice.”
Huddlestone was in the squad for friendlies against Trinidad & Tobago and USA last year, but failed to make an appearance in the tour.
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“It’s very pleasing to be called up, but it was a bit of a suprise.
“I was in the last couple of preliminary squads, but to be in the final 23, especially in a game against Brazil, is something really special.
“The Trinidad game was a friendly at the end of the season, but it was still a full England squad, there weren’t many that dropped out. Just to train with them for ten days was special and you learn a lot from the type of players in that squad.
“It’s a natural progression, but Under 21s to the seniors is also the biggest jump in the age groups. I’ve just got to knuckle down and hopefully it won’t be the last time.
“It gives a boost to all the Under 21s. It was the same for myself when Aaron Lennon went to the 2006 World Cup squad. You look at things like that and it makes you think people are willing to give you a chance if you are doing the right things on the pitch.”
Huddlestone is one of four Spurs players in the squad, with Jermain Defoe, Peter Crouch and Jermaine Jenas also called up.
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