Scott Parker is determined to cement his place in England's starting XI by producing another performance in Saturday's EURO 2012 qualifier with Switzerland.
The West Ham United midfielder has starred for Fabio Capello's side in recent months, catching the eye in the friendly victory in Denmark and EURO 2012 Group G qualifying win in Wales.
Now, the Hammer of the Year is eyeing another start when the Swiss - including former West Ham team-mate Valon Behrami - visit Wembley on Saturday evening. A victory for England would all but end Switzerland's qualification hopes, while strengthening the Three Lions' hopes of reaching next summer's tournament in Poland and Ukraine.
Should Parker appear, he will earn a sixth full cap and his third as a West Ham player.
"I've had a taste of England now and obviously I want to be involved in that," said the 30-year-old. "I think my main aim is just to keep performing as well as I can and what comes from that is going to be a plus.
"My aim is to be there come this time next year [at the UEFA European Championship finals]. I know there is a long way to go and things can change but if I can help in any way, that is what I will try and do.
"I never felt like quitting England. My mentality was always to work hard and force my way in. It was quite difficult not to be selected for the World Cup. After that I thought my chances would have been limited.
"But the Wales game was a massive chance for me. I felt if I didn't perform in that game I would not have pulled on an England shirt again. In football, especially at international level, when opportunities come along you have to grab them."
Concentrating on club matters, Parker admitted the shock of relegation from the Barclays Premier League had yet to fully set in.
"It's still early days and we've literally been relegated just two weeks ago, so everything is new and fresh. We'll see what happens over the next coming months, really."
Saturday's EURO 2012 Group D qualifier between England and Switzerland kicks-off at 5.45pm and will be screened live by ITV.
The West Ham United midfielder has starred for Fabio Capello's side in recent months, catching the eye in the friendly victory in Denmark and EURO 2012 Group G qualifying win in Wales.
Now, the Hammer of the Year is eyeing another start when the Swiss - including former West Ham team-mate Valon Behrami - visit Wembley on Saturday evening. A victory for England would all but end Switzerland's qualification hopes, while strengthening the Three Lions' hopes of reaching next summer's tournament in Poland and Ukraine.
Should Parker appear, he will earn a sixth full cap and his third as a West Ham player.
"I've had a taste of England now and obviously I want to be involved in that," said the 30-year-old. "I think my main aim is just to keep performing as well as I can and what comes from that is going to be a plus.
"My aim is to be there come this time next year [at the UEFA European Championship finals]. I know there is a long way to go and things can change but if I can help in any way, that is what I will try and do.
"I never felt like quitting England. My mentality was always to work hard and force my way in. It was quite difficult not to be selected for the World Cup. After that I thought my chances would have been limited.
"But the Wales game was a massive chance for me. I felt if I didn't perform in that game I would not have pulled on an England shirt again. In football, especially at international level, when opportunities come along you have to grab them."
Concentrating on club matters, Parker admitted the shock of relegation from the Barclays Premier League had yet to fully set in.
"It's still early days and we've literally been relegated just two weeks ago, so everything is new and fresh. We'll see what happens over the next coming months, really."
Saturday's EURO 2012 Group D qualifier between England and Switzerland kicks-off at 5.45pm and will be screened live by ITV.