Ryan Shawcross (right) tackles Wayne Rooney while on England duty in March

Stoke City defender Ryan Shawcross has said making his England debut is one of his main targets for next season.

Shawcross was an unused substitute for the national side during the 3-1 friendly win over Egypt in March but was not selected for the World Cup.

The 22-year-old told BBC Radio Stoke: "We have a lot of good players in my position, so it's going to be difficult to get into the team.

"Hopefully, I can get into the squad. To play is a dream of mine."

England lost captain Rio Ferdinand to injury before the start of the tournament in South Africa, while Ledley King limped out of the 1-1 draw with USA on Saturday.

That leaves John Terry, Jamie Carragher, Matthew Upson and the uncapped Michael Dawson as the only recognised central defenders in Fabio Capello's squad.

Shawcross said he was not surprised that he failed to make the final 23, but thinks he can take confidence from having been so close to selection.

"I was in the group of 45 players who were told not to book any holidays and keep their phone on, but then I didn't make it to the 30 that went to Austria, which was disappointing," he added.

"But just to have my name in there was good for me and good for Stoke."

England play Algeria in Cape Town on Friday evening, and Shawcross believes Carragher should be given the chance to partner Terry in the centre of defence.

"He's got the experience and you can't beat experience," said Shawcross. "There's a good combination there and hopefully they can keep the Algerians out."

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