Michael Dawson has played down John Terry's comments that the England centre-half spot is now his own.
Terry feels Spurs stopper can be his regular centre-half partner
Michael Dawson has played down suggestions he is now an automatic starter for England despite captain John Terry's assertion that he has made the centre-half spot 'his own'.
Tottenham Hotspur defender Dawson delivered an assured performance during England's 2-0 win over Wales on Saturday after starting alongside Terry.
The continued injury problems for Rio Ferdinand have seen Fabio Capello experiment with several partners for Terry over the past 12 months.
Terry, who has been reinstated as captain, has been impressed by Dawson and believes the Spurs stopper deserves to retain his place.
"Dawson has made the position his own," said Terry after the Euro 2012 qualifying win at the Millennium Stadium.
"He's got a lot of competition, but he has been really good for Spurs in the Champions League and that's the key for him, playing regularly in the big competitions."
Positive
However, while Dawson admits he would be disappointed to now be left out by Capello, he is not taking his position for granted.
Dawson said: "I have had so many injuries and setbacks in my career, so it's nice now to be positive, but I wouldn't say I am now the man to play alongside John Terry.
"We have too many good defenders for me to assume that, but I would be disappointed to be left out now.
"John is a leader. He has helped me from the day I first arrived.
"There's never been any backlash against him. I believe I speak for every player when I say we welcome him back as captain."
