FULL CAP ... Capello congratulates Rodwell

JACK RODWELL is on a mission to keep his place in Fabio Capello's squad — even if he is forced to dip back into the Under-21s.

The Everton midfielder, who emerged as the biggest success of England's two friendlies, is hoping to grab a spot on the plane to Poland and Ukraine next summer.

Rodwell, 20, received heaps of praise from Capello after making his Three Lions full debut in the 1-0 win over Sweden. And the Goodison Park favourite admits he now wants another taste of action for the senior team.

He said: "It was a dream come true to step on the pitch against Spain — and it was a dream to get my full debut against Sweden.

"If I stay in and around the squad, I'll be happy.

"The competition is healthy and it's good to have that. I'm just going to keep my feet on the ground, working hard and trying to play as well as I can for Everton and see what happens.

"I have been kind of used to the Under-21s so this was a bit of a difference — it's a step up again. It's a different tempo to the game but I enjoyed it.

"All of the senior lads have welcomed me while I knew a few of them from Everton.

"But, of course, whichever age-group the country wants me to play for I'm very happy to play."

Rodwell enjoyed it in the heart of midfield on Tuesday but admits he should have scored with a header.

He said: "Against Sweden, it was a good team performance. Personally I felt like I did OK.

"With Phil Jones sitting, the coach asked me and Gareth Barry to get forward and get into the box which I managed to do.

"I got on the end of a couple of crosses but I feel I should have scored with the header.

"It's one of those situations that nine times out of 10 I'll put it in the back of net. I take the positive that I got in the right position."

Asked for his best position, Rodwell, set to face Wolves on Saturday, added: "I've played all over to be honest — centre-half, defensive midfield, attacking midfield.

"I have been playing box-to-box more for Everton so I felt comfortable in that position but I can play anywhere across the midfield."

Rodwell was one of three Young Lions to make his debut over the past few days as England plan for next summer's Euro finals.

Like Rodwell, Spurs full-back Kyle Walker, 21, came on as a sub against Spain and then started the Sweden game on Tuesday.

And Chelsea striker Daniel Sturridge got his first taste of full international action with 32 minutes as a sub against the Swedes.

Goalkeeper Joe Hart said: "It's great. I'm really happy for the boys who got their chances. It's good that we're getting new players in and there are great options for the manager."

Manchester City star Hart is a relative oldie at 24 and is rapidly becoming a lucky charm for boss Capello.

The stopper is still unbeaten in an England shirt after 15 appearances for his country.

With Hart between the sticks England have also notched their first calendar year unbeaten since 1994, winning six and drawing three of their nine games.

Hart, who started all those matches, said: "It's a great record and we're all very proud of that inside the camp.

"But we just want to keep on winning games.

"We'd have liked to have won all nine but we can't do that and fortunately we're getting results."

He added: "It's been a good year for me international-wise.

"I'm really proud and pleased to be involved in qualifying for a tournament, which was our aim at the start and something we're really looking forward to."

England ended the year with two landmark 1-0 victories, starting with Saturday's shock success against Spain — their first over reigning world champions for 31 years.

They followed that by ending their Sweden hoodoo, which saw them go 43 years and 12 matches without beating the Scandinavians.

Hart said: "They were two tough games and we're happy to come through with two good wins.

"We played against two different sides and we showed two different characteristics to win. Saturday was tough but we dominated Sweden a bit more."