Tottenham defender Michael Dawson can see a World Cup opening after the injury suffered by England teammate Ledley King.
King's groin problem has put the spotlight on Dawson, Matthew Upson and Jamie Carragher in the battle to play in Cape Town against the Algerians.
But Dawson, Tottenham's player of the year, is content to concentrate on trying to impress Fabio Capello in training.
He said: "We'll just have to wait and see. You'll have to ask the manager. For me it would be a dream to play.
"There's no hiding that. I've said that for a long time, since before I got in the squad but we've got Jamie Carragher and Matthew Upson as well.
"But we're just concentrating on training and hopefully I'll do the best I can and then we'll see.
"I'm excited for Friday and the World Cup is an amazing experience and, from getting a call from the FA to say Rio was injured, it's all happened really quickly.
"To be part of it is great and I'm enjoying every minute of it.
"Unfortunately Ledley came off the other day with a groin injury but it's not too bad.
"He's out of the game on Friday but it's the manager's decision who he picks. I'm always hopeful."