Rickie Lambert "desperate" to make England World Cup squad

Southampton forward Rickie Lambert has admitted that he is "desperate" to make the England squad for this summer's World Cup in Brazil.

The 32-year-old has scored two goals in his four appearances for the Three Lions, and he says that he must prove himself worthy of a place in Roy Hodgson's team.

"Obviously, I still understand it's nowhere near secured," The Mirror quotes him as saying. "I've got two months to try to prove I'm worth it, and it's as simple as that.

"I've always said if I don't make it I'm going to be grateful that I got my chance, and that's still the case now. I'm obviously desperate to go, that's all I'm trying to focus on. I understand that I've got to do well. I've got to do well in every training session, any minutes I get.

"I understand that, it's fine. I relish that to be honest, and that's what I'll be looking forward to. It's going to be great, it's going to be enjoyable."

Lambert scored the winning goal on his England debut in a 3-2 victory over Scotland last August.