Jamie Vardy has stressed that he does not just want to be a back-up for England international teammate Harry Kane.
The Three Lions are on the brink of qualifying for the 2018 World Cup and will aim to get over the line in their final fixtures, against Slovenia and Lithuania.
Tottenham Hotspur striker Kane is widely expected to start up front in both games after scoring nine goals for his club in September, including a hat-trick against APOEL Nicosia in the Champions League on Tuesday.
However, Leicester City marksman Vardy is determined to challenge Kane for an international starting place ahead of next summer's tournament in Russia.
"It's nothing like that. It depends on how we line up. 'H' has been in fine form for his club and country as well," Vardy told Sky Sports News when asked if he expected to play back-up for Kane while on international duty.
"It's just one of those things, you have to keep working hard, show you are playing well and put yourself in the picture.
"There's still things I need to improve on - there's some very good strikers wanting to get in that England squad. I'm planning to make sure I'm playing well for my club first and foremost."
England face Slovenia at Wembley on October 5 before they travel to Lithuania for their final qualifier on October 8.
Giuseppe Labellarte
