Bolton midfielder Muamba chasing England breakthrough

Bolton Wanderers midfielder Fabrice Muamba admits he has ambitions of playing his way into the England squad.

The 21-year-old is intent on following his former U21 international team-mates Gabriel Agbonlahor, Joe Hart and, in particular, James Milner, in forcing their way into Fabio Capello’s future plans with the senior squad.

“If you have played for the Under-21s, it’s anyone’s dream to take that one more step up,” he told the Lancashire Telegraph. “That’s what I would love to do.

“If we can qualify for the European Championship, then that is the next thing I want to do, but if we don’t, then I’ll take it from there and try to push on to bigger and better things.

“Milly (Milner) has been doing tremendously well with the way he has been playing for Villa this year and I definitely think he’ll be going to the World Cup.

“You can say the same thing for Gabby Agbonlahor or Joe Hart — they have both done brilliantly for the Under-21s and their club and then made the step up. It shows that if you are consistent then you can get your shot.”