Leighton Baines worried about homesickness

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Despite an unimpressive performance in Monday's 3-1 victory over Mexico at Wembley, the Everton left-back seems likely to go to South Africa as understudy to Ashley Cole.

But the prospect of spending nearly two months away from home is a daunting one.

"Everyone wants to be a part of England, to come away and play, but I have always found it really hard, even when I was teenager, being away from home," said the Kirkby-born 25-year-old.

"I have always struggled with it, that's quite tough, but the more time you spend around the lads, the more you begin to feel part of everything.

"They are all good lads, everyone is friendly and gets on with each other. There's no case of feeling out the picture.

"It takes time to settle in fully but the lads make it easier for you. There is a good spirit and that is a real help."

Baines admitted only his second full England cap - the first coming against Egypt in March - was something of a trial.

"Did I enjoy the evening? Not really, no. It was hard work but we won," he added.

"It would be a dream come true to make the 23. The majority of places for the other lads are probably cemented but it's far from the case for me and a few others.

"We are still fighting, trying to get there, but I'd have liked to have done better against Mexico."