Robert Green admits England head coach Fabio Capello's policy of picking players in form and not on reputation gives him hope he can have a major part to play in the World Cup next summer.

The West Ham keeper has started England's last five internationals - including the decisive qualifier with Croatia last night - in place of the injured David James.

James is thought to still be Capello's No1, after playing every one of his initial 13 games at the helm, despite now being 39.

But Green is determined to stay in Capello's plans.

He said: "It is really pleasing to play. At the moment I am enjoying it. If the manager thinks otherwise, so be it but I've played a number of big games and important games for him.

"I feel more comfortable playing among the lads and they are looking to me for more and to produce more for the team."

Green knows there is only so much he can do to convince Capello. "It is not up to me," he added. "I will do my utmost in every game I play and the manager will pick who he sees fit to take the next game.

"But the difference is he plays players who are in form. That is the difference - from the back to the front of the team.

"If you are in form, you will play - and if you are playing well, you know you will carry on doing so."

Green is desperate to board the plane to South Africa but is adamant players have to put the World Cup on the back-burner as they prepare for a demanding season.

He said: "The World Cup is in the future - it is something to look forward to - but there is a lot of hard work between now and then."