Ashton is the man to rescue England, says Curbishley

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The 24-year old has returned to form with two goals in West Ham's last two matches against Blackburn and Everton, and his style of play is ideally suited to operating as the lone forward in Capello's 4-2-3-1 formation.

With the national team lacking bite up front, Hammers manager Curbishley believes Ashton has the perfect opportunity to establish himself in planned friendlies against the USA in May, and Trinidad & Tobago in June.

He said: "The friendlies this summer are a target for our English players who think they have a chance.

"The task for them is to finish the season as strongly as they can, because I know England staff are watching our games and sending in their reports.

"In the last three matches, Dean has looked really strong, and he has seemed a lot sharper. It is nice when the goals start going in, as well.

"If Dean plays every game between now and the end of the season, he can look back at the campaign and think that he has done very well, given the knee problems he had.

"He has played quite a bit of football, nicked a few goals and got himself back in the groove. Now, he can push on, and he needs to pick up from where he left off at Everton. "Capello is looking at the England players, and trying to work out what he has got. I am sure he is looking forward to having more time with the players.

"As we failed to qualify for Euro 2008, Capello will get that time in the summer."

Curbishley is expected to maintain his policy of introducing West Ham's promising youngsters in tomorrow's Premier League match at Sunderland.

Striker Freddie Sears could join Ashton up front if he shakes off a groin injury, while defender James Tomkins and midfielder Jack Collison could also be involved.

Curbishley added: "We have seen that both Freddie and James can handle it, and that Freddie had been playing really well in training."