James upbeatt about England

James Beattie admits he still harbours ambitions of making England's World Cup squad for Germany.

The Everton striker has recovered from a slow start to his Goodison Park career to emerge once more as a formidable Premiership front-man.

With Peter Crouch struggling for goals and Jermain Defoe playing time, talk has been that if Eriksson elects to take five strikers then Beattie could be on the plane.

Toffees chief David Moyes believes his hit-man deserves recognition and now the player himself has spoken of his burning ambition to be involved with Sven Goran Eriksson's squad.

''I want to break the front door with a sledgehammer or else sneak in through the back door,'' he told the Sunday Mirror.

''I've gone from having no chance to having a chance. Everyone comes up to me now and says I should be in the England squad.

''I'm enjoying my football. I'm playing well and scoring goals. I'm as fit and feel as good, as I've ever been.

''If it was my decision then yes I'd be going. But it's up to Mr Eriksson of course.

''I last played at home to Denmark over two years ago so it's been a while, but it's my dream to go to the World Cup.''