Upson targets Europe to improve England chances
By Aydan Anderson
October 18 2004
Birmingham defender Matthew Upson was last involved in an England squad during the trips to Austria and Poland yet wasnt even a substitute in either game. So Upson has set his sights on getting his club into Europe in order to win back his England place.
Matthew Upson has told his fellow team mates that the blues must push for a
European finish - so he can get back into the England fold. "It would be great for everyone at the club if we were to achieve a place in
Europe and it would give me the opportunity to stake a claim for that England
place." said the ex-Arsenal defender.
Upson who missed out on the England squad for the games against Azerbaijan and Wales has made six appearances for England since his switch to St Andrews from Highbury almost two years ago. But with the return of Rio Ferdinand from suspension, and the fact Sol Campbell always amazingly declares himself fit for competitive games, Upson has seen him self fall even further down Sven's defensive picking order. To get back into the England squad Upson feels he must be involved in European football to prove he can cut at the top level. John Terry, Rio Ferdinand and Sol Campbell all play Champions League football regularly while Jamie Carragher has experience in Europe with Liverpool. Add to that the fact Ledley King plays for a London club and you can see why Upson is desperate for a taste of the UEFA cup in order to further his international career. Hopefully Upson can get the much needed European experience at St Andrews without having to look for another club to enhance his chances. |
