World Cup chances up for grabs - Upson - Sport in brief

My Account
Logout

Create an Evening Standard Account

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Welcome! Sign in here

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Forgot your password ?

Registration

* indicates fields that are mandatory

Email *

Password *

Confirm Password *

First name *

Surname *

Postcode *

Country *

Mobile phone number

Username *

Gender *

Year of birth *

When you sign up...

You will have access to all our online competitions, discounted offers and can post comments on our site.

You will also receive The Weekender newsletter sent every Thursday - it’s full of fantastic offers and ideas for the weekend. You can update your email preferences in your account page when you log in.

Other newsletters and emails

Homes & Property Newsletter - Yes I want to receive the weekly email with all the latest news on property in the capital

Occasionally we would also like to send you relevant emails detailing specific offers either from ourselves or carefully selected partners. If you would prefer not to receive these then please tick the appropriate boxes below. We will never pass on your details.

I do not want to receive additional offers and information from the Evening Standard

I do not want to receive additional offers and information sent by Evening Standard on behalf of carefully selected partners

Terms and Conditions

* I have read, understood and agree to be bound by the terms and conditions of Evening Standard

Registration

Mail Sent for Registration Confirmation.

A confirmation email has been sent. Please activate your account by clicking on the activation link sent in your mail box.

Upson has started eight of England's last 14 internationals, including Saturday's 1-0 defeat against Brazil in Doha when skipper John Terry and Rio Ferdinand were both injured.

He said: "At the moment, every player wants to grab every single second on the pitch and make the most of it. It is the best part of any player's career. Everyone wants to be part of it and that competition amongst the players is exactly what we need. It is always going to happen approaching a World Cup."

The West Ham centre-back added: "On a personal note, it is always best to put yourself up against the best players in the world and measure yourself against that. It was a great opportunity against Brazil.

"I've started quite a few internationals, I am delighted with the way it is going. I've been enjoying the international experience and think I'm really pushing a case forward.

"I've got to keep my domestic form going at West Ham, which I am really on top of, and I want to keep pushing. I am desperate to go to the World Cup and I want to be part of the team.

"I am heading in the right direction. I've been working very hard for the last four or five years to elevate myself to this level. I'm pleased to be where I am, I want to keep improving and I want to get better. That is my goal."

Upson admits he can sense the determination to try to be on the plane for South Africa hotting up during international get-togethers.

He added: "People are going to want to be involved, are going to want to do their best. It can only be a positive thing for the team.

"We will be kept pretty busy with that but everyone has got one eye on the World Cup and their form going into the summer is crucial for a lot of people."