Caulker: Cardiff move can bolster England prospects

Steven Caulker believes his move to Cardiff City can help him stake a claim for a regular place in the England squad.

Caulker, who joined Malky Mackay’s side on Thursday from Tottenham for a club-record fee, has made one appearance for the national side, scoring on his debut against Sweden in November.

However, the 21-year-old wants to ensure he figures more prominently in Roy Hodgson’s plans for the 2014 FIFA World Cup, should England qualify.

“If you ask any Englishman they’ll of course want to play in the World Cup. All I can do though is work hard here and do my best,” Caulker said.

“I’d like to think I can work hard, get into the first team and then push for that place in the England squad.”

Caulker had been at White Hart Lane since 2007, having come through the club’s youth academy before being sent on loan to Yeovil, Bristol City and Swansea City.

However, the defender is keen to play regularly at Cardiff in the club’s first season in the top flight since 1962.

“I’m excited to be at Cardiff City. I was at a point in my career when I wanted to get out and play games and Cardiff offered me it,” he added.

“I’m fully confident that if we work hard and play to our qualities we can establish ourselves in this league.

“Being in the Premier League is exciting. You can feel that around the city and amongst the lads.”

Boss Mackay added that Caulker had been a long-term target for the club.

“We’re delighted to have got him, I’ve always known about him but he’ s always been just out of reach,” explained the Scot.

“He knows he’ll have to work hard like all the other lads to get and keep his place in the team.”