Arsenal's Jenkinson Keen to Push Walker for England Starting Berth

Carl Jenkinson is hoping to catch the eye of England manager Roy Hodgson and prove that he can be a genuine contender for a starting berth at right-back in the near future.

The Arsenal defender made the decision to represent England in 2012 having previously played for Finland at Under-21 level. He made his senior debut in the 4-2 loss to Sweden after coming on as a second half substitute but has since failed to force his way back into the plans of Hodgson.

He has been selected by England Under-21 boss Gareth Southgate for the upcoming European Championship qualifiers against San Marino and Lithuania and is keen to make a lasting impression.

There is certainly plenty of competition for a starting berth at right-back for England with Tottenham's Kyle Walker currently deputising for the injured Liverpool defender Glen Johnson.

Hodgson can also call upon Manchester United duo Chris Smalling and Phil Jones, with both having previously played at right-back despite being more comfortable in the centre of defence, while England Under-21 captain Andre Wisdom - absent from the current squad due to suspension - has often been called upon at full back for Liverpool.

But with England closing in on qualification for the World Cup in Brazil, Jenkinson is keen to remind Hodgson of the talent he possesses while representing his country at youth level.

"Hopefully I'll get games and playing for England at any level is an honour," Jenkinson told the Evening Standard. "When I was given this opportunity, it was a no-brainer for me.

"At the end of the day I want to play for England and this is a very close step to the senior side.

"Of course you have to be doing well for your club, but if you're impressing for the under-21s I am sure the message gets back to Roy Hodgson.

"So it's good for me all round. It's good to get games and they're not friendlies either, they're qualifiers. It's going to be good for me and I'm really looking forward to it."

Jenkinson has already made nine appearances for Arsenal this season and is set to be handed another run in the team with Bacary Sagna ruled out through injury for around three weeks.

Should the 21 year old continue to excel for the Arsenal this season then he will hope he comes into consideration for the World Cup next year, should England qualify, though it will be tough to displace either Walker or Johnson.

The Liverpool defender is currently sidelined through injury but has 49 caps for England and has been first choice under Hodgson, while Walker has excelled at Tottenham and has done little wrong while representing his country.