The Mail Online reports that Tottenham defender Michael Dawson is being considered by England boss Fabio Capello for the World Cup squad.

The 26-year old is yet to play for the Three Lions at senior level and has never been selected by Capello but the Italian manager watched him twice this week as Spurs defeated both Arsenal and Chelsea and was believed to be impressed by both of Dawson's performances.

With fitness concerns to England defenders including Rio Ferdinand, Ledley King, Joleon Lescott and Wes Brown, Dawson has emerged as a potential candidate and could push even more of a claim if he performs well against Manchester United this weekend.