Premier League - Spurs' Michael Dawson ready for Fifa World Cup

Published: 13 May, 2010
by DAN CARRIER

Fabio Capello includes half a dozen Spurs stars in his first World Cup squad

MICHAEL Dawson is within touching distance of going to the World Cup after his barnstorming performances at the heart of the Spurs defence earned him a call up to Fabio Capello’s preliminary England squad.
The tough-tackling 26-year-old has yet to win an international cap, but with question marks over the form and fitness of Rio Ferdinand and John Terry he is in line for a shock role at the finals in June.

Speaking from the training ground in Austria, Dawson said: “There had been a lot of talk about me being included, but in the back of your mind you’re never sure whether it will happen or not. Luckily enough for me, it has this time. I’ve been involved with England a number of times over the years but have unfortunately never won a cap. It’s a great feeling to be named in the squad,” he added.

Dawson, who was voted Spurs Player-of-the-Season, praised his team-mates and boss Harry Redknapp for giving him the platform to show he can do a job against the world’s best if required.
“When you’re playing for a top football club, as I have been this season, on a regular basis and putting in good performances, there’s always that chance of playing for England. Luckily enough, I’ve got the call,” Dawson said.

As a reward for Spurs’ successful season, which culminated in securing a Champions League spot for the first time, Capello named five other Spurs players in his initial 30-man squad. Ledley King, Tom Huddlestone, Aaron Lennon, Peter Crouch and Jermain Defoe are all hoping to join Dawson on the plane to South Africa.
And their team-mate Sebastien Bassong has been included in the Cameroon squad, along with full-back Benoit Assou-Ekotto.