Everton star Leighton Baines says he's determined to make the most of the England absence of Chelsea's Ashley Cole.
He performed well in the 4-1 win over Montenegro and he hopes to prove to Hodgson again on Tuesday that he is ready to step into Cole's shoes for next year's finals.
"These two games are a great opportunity for me to try to put a bit of a marker down," the former Wigan man said.
"It's been more stop-start for me, although the last 18 months has been better in terms of playing in some of the qualifiers and playing in more games generally. I've enjoyed that side of it."
To his credit, Baines has stuck with England and has never intimated that he would give up the fight and retire from international football.
"I can't complain," he said.
"I like to keep some perspective of where you've come from and how great things really are.
"Hopefully there is more for me."
