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Chris Smalling: 'I want to cement England spot'

Manchester United defender Chris Smalling admits that he is keen to secure a regular starting spot with England after making his World Cup debut against Costa Rica.

Manchester United defender Chris Smalling believes that he can deliver for England if he is given the opportunity to play as a centre-back.

Smalling has been used in several positions for both club and country, but the Old Trafford defender, who started for England in their 0-0 draw with Costa Rica on Tuesday, is keen to hold down a regular position in the centre of Roy Hodgson's defence.

The 24-year-old is quoted by ITV Sport as saying: "It's the end of the season so obviously we will go on a break now and then next season, I will look to really kick on to try to cement my position.

"Roy knows that I am a centre-back and I really want to cement it and be that number one. I feel that if I get my chance like I did against Costa Rica, I can go out there and deliver."

Smalling has made 13 appearances for England since his international debut in 2011.

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Manchester United's Chris Smalling and Olympiakos' Hernan Perez in action during their Champions League match on February 25, 2014
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