Everton defender Joleon Lescott is delighted to be again in the England squad this week.
"I was disappointed last month not to be involved with the squad so I worked a little bit harder this month to try to get back in and it's paid off," he told evertonTV.
"But there's still a long way to go for me, I've still got to kick on and try to force my way back into a first-team place."
That opportunity failed to present itself on Saturday as Lescott had to settle for a place on the bench during the 4-0 rout of Slovakia at Wembley.
While downhearted not to see any action, Lescott is confident he figures in manager Fabio Capello's long-term plans.
Asked what the Italian had said to him, Lescott replied: "Nothing really, he's just treated me the same as everyone else.
"I think everyone's got a fair crack of the whip but obviously Rio [Ferdinand] had to pull out through injury and he's picked a replacement in Matthew Upson.
"It was disappointing but it was a great performance and result for the boys."