Spurred on to impress Capello

The younger brother of Hull City's Andy, Dawson's reward for an excellent second half of the season was a place in Fabio Capello's provisional 30-man party, currently at their altitude training camp in Austria.

Having found himself in a similar position four years ago, only to miss out when Sven Goran Eriksson confirmed who would be representing England in Germany, Dawson understands the disappointment that faces the unlucky men this time around.

"It makes it easier being around a few lads I already know," he said. "All the lads have been fantastic but this is the first squad I have been in under Mr Capello and it makes you a lot more relaxed knowing that when you come away there will be a few familiar faces. It would be a dream come true to play for my country."