Burns: Dawson will captain England one day

[mawspurs]

Source: This is Nottingham forest

IT would be of no surprise to me if former Nottingham Forest defender Michael Dawson leads out England one day.

He might still not have made his international debut but today he will be joining up with Fabio Capello as part of his 30-man World Cup squad.

It is a surprise he has not made his bow before now but after the season he has enjoyed with Tottenham, helping them to fourth in the Premier League, he can no longer be ignored.

It is not only his ability on the pitch that impresses, it is his attitude off it.

Dawson is a smashing lad but he is a leader, a true professional. He is one all other youngsters should look to. He is a clean-living character who puts the game first.

For Spurs, he has been captain when Ledley King has been out and he is an assured player. He has a footballing brain and his awareness is second to none.

He has been exceptional all season long and now, when he gets a chance in England's next two friendlies, he has to prove to Capello he is good enough.

After all, Rio Ferdinand has been injured most of this season and if he breaks down before June 1, he could be out.

Capello has to be strong and not pick people for names. Ferdinand might be captain but if he is not fit, you cannot take him.

Look at David Beckham at the last World Cup in Germany. He was not fit but was picked and was like a passenger.

You cannot afford to carry anyone, captain or no captain, if you are to lift the World Cup in South Africa.

For me, Dawson is good enough and should make the final 23-man squad. By the end of the tournament, he could have made a real name for himself.

It should not be about your name, how many sponsorship deals you have or how many shirts you sell.

When it comes to making the airplane to South Africa, it has to be about how you have performed all season.

The most in-form players will win you this, not those who used to do it for you.

In that case, Dawson should be a certainty for the 23-man squad. With his temperament and attitude, he will not lot his country down.

Don't let the fact he is still uncapped turn you off. This lad is a star.

And while it will not happen in South Africa, do not be surprised to see Dawson captaining his country one day.

I believe he will. That's how good a player he is.

[boris]

Nice to hear from Dawson's dad.

[Yidoinoz]

No chance, while Terry & Rio can walk, no one will get a look in.

Rio has played considerably less games in the league and cups over the last two years but it's Ledders who's fitness is questioned.

lets hope Capello doesn't start falling into the reputation trap rather than form like every other England manager.

[Edgarsglasses]

What a hell of a signing this lad has been! credit due to whoever wanted to sign him.

[StuckinPoland]

on form, dawson and king go. no question.

on reputation, terry and ferdinand go.

odd man out. upson. have a nice holiday matty ! i wont be missing seeing you in that england shirt.

[mawspurs]

What a hell of a signing this lad has been! credit due to whoever wanted to sign him.

Wasn't it David Pleat?

[onthetwo]

Wasn't it David Pleat?

Nope - he was an arnesen signing

[Nav420]

im sure it was pleat

[davidmatzdorf]

No: Arnesen. Joint deal with Andy Reid at the end of January 2005. Arnesen was the Director of Football.

[nidge]

No: Arnesen. Joint deal with Andy Reid at the end of January 2005. Arnesen was the Director of Football.

Pretty sure you are correct. That being said I definately remember Pleat trying to take the credit when he commentated on one of our Uefa Cup games a couple of years back.

[davidmatzdorf]

Pretty sure you are correct. That being said I definately remember Pleat trying to take the credit when he commentated on one of our Uefa Cup games a couple of years back.

The history of the transfer is quite long-winded, but it was Andy Reid that Tottenham were trying to sign for about 2 years - so that part did go back to the latter days of the Pleat regime.

The inclusion of Dawson was something of a last-minute surprise. It's a credit both to the quality of the Nottinghem Forest youth system and also to Arnesen's nous that both men have gone on to become established Premiership players and (until Reid pissed off the management) internationals.

[samways]

THATS who came with him! been trying to think who it was- kept getting Etherington in my head, but I think he came with Simon Davies.....speaking of which-why did we let him go again?

[StokeSpur]

Am made up for the lad, he has worked really hard and is now cutting out the daft mistakes that once made me doubt him, he's proved a lot of people wrong and he will only continue to get better because that's the type of guy he is.