BBC Sport
Skip to main contentAccess keys helpA-Z index

[an error occurred while processing this directive]
watch listenBBC SportBBC Sport
Low graphics|Help
---------------
---------------
CHOOSE A SPORT
 
RELATED BBC SITES
Last Updated: Sunday, 7 May 2006, 10:30 GMT 11:30 UK
Lennon hoping for World Cup call
Aaron Lennon
Lennon could be the surprise name in England's provisional squad
Aaron Lennon hopes his outstanding form as Tottenham qualified for Europe will make him the surprise selection in England's provisional World Cup squad.

Boss Sven-Goran Eriksson will name a 26 or 27-man party on Monday before reducing it to the final 23 on 15 May.

Midfielder Lennon may be a shock inclusion for this summer's finals.

The 19-year-old said: "I'm not saying he should pick me or that I deserve to go to Germany but if the call comes I would love to be part of the squad."

Middlesbrough's Stewart Downing has also come into the equation with some impressive recent performances.

He has helped Boro reach the Uefa Cup final where they play Sevilla and it could come down to a straight decision between Downing and Lennon.

Lennon added: "I heard from my team-mates Mr Eriksson has watched us but I have been concentrating on just doing well for Spurs and not who is watching."

He has been a revelation since moving from Leeds in the summer of 2005 and revealed: "What has happened to me is almost too fantastic to be true. The World Cup? I never imagined I might be part of it.

"I would love to go. What footballer wouldn't? But everything has moved on so quickly for me that it's difficult to take in the possibility.

"I have just been trying to do my best for Spurs and only ever thought I would watch the World Cup on television.

"I feel sorry for Michael Owen and Wayne Rooney if they were to miss out on the biggest tournament. It would be a massive blow to them and the country.

What has happened to me is almost too fantastic to be true. The World Cup? I never imagined I might be part of it.
Spurs' Aaron Lennon

"My situation hardly compares but earlier this season I made my debut for the England Under 21s against Austria but then a hamstring injury put me out of the European Championship play-off with France.

"I was gutted about that, so goodness knows what Wayne is thinking right now. We all saw his belting performances two years ago in the European Championship before another injury wrecked his - and England's - hopes."

If Lennon does receive the call-up from his country, he is dreaming of making his own impact on the world stage.

He added: "I remember as a kid watching Michael Owen and that stunning solo goal against Argentina in the 1998 World Cup.

"I'm not saying for one minute that I could ever make the same impact but obviously it would be a dream come true to go to Germany - and then maybe come off the bench and help swing a result."


SEE ALSO
Davids uncertain of Spurs future
07 May 06 |  Tottenham Hotspur
England team guide
27 Apr 06 |  England
World Cup fixtures
09 Dec 05 |  Schedule
Have your say on the World Cup
28 Apr 06 |  Football
BBC World Cup coverage
27 Apr 06 |  World Cup 2006


RELATED INTERNET LINKS:
The BBC is not responsible for the content of external internet sites

ALSO IN THIS SECTION

E-mail services | Sport on mobiles/PDAs

MMIX

Back to top

Sport Homepage | Football | Cricket | Rugby Union | Rugby League | Tennis | Golf | Motorsport | Boxing | Athletics | Snooker | Horse Racing | Cycling | Disability Sport | Olympics 2012 | Sport Relief | Other Sport...

BBC Sport Academy >> | BBC News >> | BBC Weather >>
About the BBC | News sources | Privacy & Cookies Policy | Contact us
bannerwatch listenbbc sport