World Cup chance everything to me, says grateful Upson
ENGLAND and West Ham defender Matthew Upson is set to get another chance to impress against Andorra tonight – but admits his mind is already wandering to next summer’s World Cup finals.
Upson had to wait later than most for his career to blossom, with injuries and competition for places curtailing his progress at Arsenal.
But the 30-year-old has flourished at Upton Park, establishing himself as a regular member of Fabio Capello’s England squad.
And having at last fulfilled his early promise, Upson is desperate to maintain his progress and play a part at the 2010 World Cup finals in South Africa.
“It would mean everything to me to get to the World Cup,” said Upson, who is expected to partner John Terry in defence, with Rio Ferdinand still injured.
“It is something I have dreamt of for a long time and have worked hard towards over the last four or five years. This has been the best season of my career to date, I have played the most games for England and developed well, so I am very positive about next season.”
While Upson’s career has developed under Capello, Emile Heskey’s has been reborn. The Aston Villa striker returned from more than three years in the international wilderness under Steve McClaren’s doomed tenure, and has become a first-team regular under the Italian.
But despite appearing to be discarded after Euro 2004, Heskey insists he refused to accept his England days were over.
“I never thought my international career was over,” said the 31-year-old. “You just have to focus on playing well for your club. Once you’ve done that, you don’t know what’s going to happen. I got a taste of it before and I am enjoying it now.”