Forgotten man of English football wants the midfield top spot.
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Sunderland new boy Jack Rodwell believes he can step straight into the void left by Steven Gerrard in the England side, as well as being confident of filling in at centre-back when needs be, according to the Daily Mail.
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Rodwell admitted that he watched England’s shambolic World Cup performance with frustration this summer, having been left out of the final 23-man squad to travel to South America following two season of being on the periphery of the Manchester City first team.
He completed a move to Sunderland last week in a £10m deal – where he has been guaranteed regular first team football in the middle of the park – and the 23-year-old has also targeted a place in Roy Hodgson’s squad for this month’s friendly with Norway.
“For me, it was difficult to watch (the World Cup) because I wanted to be there so much,” said the former Everton man.
“Now I want to be back in it – that’s why I signed here.”
And Rodwell is confident of winning that call, regardless of the position.
“I’d back myself to get back in at centre-midfield and I believe I could at centre-back,” he added. It is in midfield, however, where he would prefer to influence matches.
“I’m here (at Sunderland) as a central midfielder.
“I haven’t played centre-back since I was 16 really. But you never know, maybe one day I might step back when I’ve got no legs.
“I’m wasted if I play there though. I think I’ve got more to offer than playing centre-back – it’s boring as well.”
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