After an injury-ravaged spell at Real Madrid, playing just 13 matches in two seasons, Jonathan Woodgate is now showing the kind of form that first elevated him to the England squad.
When Woodgate was first capped by England back in 1999, most people would have predicted it would be the start of a lengthy and successful career at international level, but long-term injuries have held him back and he last represented the national team over three years ago.
However, having returned his hometown club Middlesbrough on a season-long loan deal, the 27-year-old has resurrected his career with a series of impressive displays in the first half of the campaign. Indeed, there is growing speculation that Woodgate will be included in Steve McClaren's England squad to face Spain in a friendly on February 7th.
Woodgate admits he would relish the chance to add to his six England caps. "People can talk about England and obviously I find it flattering. It's great to be spoken of in those terms, especially when I have spent so much time on the sidelines. All I can do is play well consistently week-in, week-out and hope the England manager gives me a chance," he said.
"But I have to play well for Middlesbrough first and foremost and stay fit and then hopefully I will get an opportunity. Playing for your country is the pinnacle for any footballer and I am no different.
"I was hugely proud when I put on the England shirt and I would love it to happen many more times, but you have to earn it and that is what I am trying to do. I feel ready. I've played games and if I'm selected I am selected and if not I'm not going to lose sleep over it."
Four wins and a draw have lifted Boro out of the relegation zone and into the relative safety of mid-table and they have the chance to progress further in the FA Cup with another victory at Bristol City this weekend.
Woodgate added: "This season has gone a lot better for me than I could have hoped in the sense that I have stayed fit and, although results on the pitch haven't been great, they are improving.
"We are a very young side with lots of local kids who all get a chance in the first team and we are finding our feet a little bit, but we are beginning to put together some good results. I know they will continue to improve.
"I am enjoying my football. I think that much has been made very clear since I joined. I feel a lot sharper and my reading of the game is coming back. I spent nearly two years out so it has taken a while, but I feel I'm getting there."
