Brighton's Lewis Dunk dreaming of place in England World Cup squad
Monday 20 November 2017 11:43, UK
Lewis Dunk has spoken of his dream of playing for England - and he wants to force his way into Gareth Southgate's squad ahead of the World Cup.
The central defender has been an ever-present for Brighton in their first Premier League season and had been tipped for an international call-up ahead of the friendlies with Germany and Brazil last week.
But despite being overlooked by Southgate, Dunk has told Sky Sports News he can still force his way into the reckoning ahead of the World Cup finals in Russia next June.
When asked if he was disappointed, he replied: "I didn't expect it.
"I'm just focusing on what I do. I've got to step across that white line and put in performances to get spoken about.
"Obviously it's a great feeling to get spoken about potentially being in England squads and that was a dream as a kid.
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"The first dream was to play in the Premier League and I've done that. Hopefully, in the future, I can secure my second dream to play for England.
"I've got to focus on me and playing as well as I can in every game, every time I step across the white line. Hopefully, by the end of the season, I get the opportunity.
"I can't comment on how he picks his squads. I've just got to keep showing him what I can do and hopefully one day he takes notice and picks me in his squads."
Dunk was called up by former England Under-21 boss Stuart Pearce in November 2011 and has been linked with a reunion with the new West Ham assistant manager.
Newspaper speculation this week suggests Dunk is on David Moyes' list of January targets, but Dunk played down the possibility of a move to London.
"I don't know much about it," he said.
"I've only read it in the papers. I don't get caught up in transfer rumours and all this stuff that goes on outside.
"I just focus on me playing football, working hard in training and trying to improve every day as much as I can.
"I don't take much notice. Unless something comes up you just keep playing.
"I'm at Brighton and I'm enjoying it so much."
Brighton host Stoke on Monday Night Football, live on Sky Sports Premier League from 7pm, and ahead of the match the Potters' assistant boss has spoken of his surprise that Chris Hughton has not been linked with the Everton job.
But Dunk has called on his manager to stay and continue the work he has been doing at Brighton.
"We want him to stay obviously," he said.
"He's done a lot for this club since he came. When he first arrived we were fighting down the bottom of the league and struggling to stay in the Championship.
"He came in, secured us staying in the league that year and built from there. Obviously he has done a great job wherever he has been. He has taken teams to promotion to the Premier League many times and we wouldn't want him to go anywhere.
"Everyone has got great respect for him in the changing room. It would be very disappointing if he did leave."
Brighton host Stoke City on Monday Night Football, live on Sky Sports Premier League from 7pm.
