West Ham United defender Matthew Upson has been confirmed in Fabio Capello's final 23-man England squad for next Wednesday's friendly against Switzerland at Wembley Stadium
The 28-year-old, who will report for international duty at the team hotel in Watford on Sunday, has been capped seven times by his country but not figured since a November 2004 friendly away to Spain. He has often spoken of his desire to return to the international fold and his imperious displays this season have more than helped his cause. Upson is one of only two outfield players in the Premier League who has not missed a minute for his club - Stephen Kelly of Birmingham City is the other - and he has reaped the rewards with his recall.
Speaking to whufc.com about his chances of playing again for England before the squad was confirmed, he said: "That is something that I am desperate to do. All I can keep doing is playing well. I am looking to improve all the time and I am really enjoying being at West Ham. We are playing some good football here. I will keep working at it and see how far it takes me."
West Ham United manager Alan Curbishley could not be more content with a man he describes as a "proper" individual, both on and off the pitch. "When I bought him I knew what I was getting. Apart from a good footballer, I was getting someone in the dressing room and in and around the training ground, who was proper. Someone who was dedicated.
"I knew what I was bringing in, the only disappointment was the fact that he got injured straight away. Since the summer, once he got himself right - he has shown how consistent he is. It just shows that for me the harder you work, the luckier you get. He has worked ever so hard."
England squad
James, Carson, Kirkland, Bridge, Cole, Ferdinand, Brown, Lescott, Richards, Upson, Woodgate, Gerrard, Barry, Jenas, Hargreaves, Cole, Young, Wright-Phillips, Bentley, Agbonlahor, Owen, Rooney, Crouch.