World Cup

Chris Smalling ready for England opportunity

By Steven Toplis, Reporter | 24 June 2014

Chris Smalling says that he wants to make the most of the opportunity of starting for England in their final World Cup match against Costa Rica this evening.

Chris Smalling has said that he is determined to make the most of the opportunity of starting for England in their final match of the World Cup against Costa Rica this evening.

Roy Hodgson's side have been knocked out of the competition in the group stages after losing their first two matches, which has prompted the Three Lions boss to shuffle his pack ahead of their final match in Group D.

Manchester United player Smalling, who will partner Gary Cahill in the centre of defence, hopes that England will put on a show for the fans in Belo Horizonte.

"All the way through I have been able to take part in the training sessions and give my all. If the opportunity comes on Tuesday then I will grab it," he told the Football Association's official website.

"There are a lot of young and exciting players coming through and that core will carry on going into Tuesday.

"That will be shown and hopefully we can put some smiles back on people's faces after the disappointment. Going into the European Championship qualifiers, there is a good squad that we can really build on together."

England were last eliminated from the group stages of a World Cup in 1958.