Woody's eyes on England

Jonathan Woodgate is aiming to catch the eye of Sven Goran Eriksson.

The centre back moved to Real Madrid last summer, but failed to make a single appearance due to a persistent thigh injury.

Woodgate has battled hard to regain fitness and is ready to reap the rewards of his labour by making a return to competitive action for Real.

He has come through three training matches without a problem and is looking to press ahead and claim a starting berth for the Liga giants.

The capture of Sergio Ramos will make Woodgate's task harder, but he is ready to knuckle down and fight for his place - with the World Cup at the forefront of his mind.

"I'm going to play against top players every year in every game," said Woodgate. "There are a lot of centre halves (in England) and they are all playing week in, week out.

"It will be tough, but in football you have got to be up for challenges in your career and when I start playing games and get myself fully fit again I can put pressure on them.

"I have a great opportunity now with a season before the World Cup, but first I've got to start playing for Madrid and my am is to stay fit for the season."