Hamburg defender Michael Mancienne hopes England coach Roy Hodgson will consider him.

Mancienne believes the retirement of Chelsea captain John Terry and Hodgson's apparent decision to overlook Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand have created an opening for young English centre-backs and he is desperate to seize it.

"You have to look at it as an opportunity," Mancienne told the London Evening Standard. "JT and Rio are still two of the best centre-halves in the world, so now I have to think I've got more of a chance to get into the team.

"If I'm playing well, the opportunity is there for me to grab. I've definitely improved as a result of playing in Germany and playing for the full England side is where I want to be.

"When I came to Hamburg, I did think that it might affect my England chances but I've spoken to so many people who follow the Bundesliga closely that I don't think it should harm me. It's now available to watch in so many different places.

"I'm still young and I've got a lot to learn but I think I'm much more consistent than I was in England, I'm better on the ball and my reading of the game has improved, too. Let's hope I can carry on doing well and that my moment will come."