Baines desperate to make amends

Leighton Baines is desperate to avoid missing out on another World Cup with England.

Baines made a late surge into the England squad prior to the 2010 World Cup but despite starting the warm-up games against Egypt and Mexico, Fabio Capello cut the defender loose, omitting him from his 23-man party for South Africa.

Baines will have a second chance to play for England at a World Cup next summer providing that Roy Hodgson’s men finish the job tomorrow night by beating Poland at Wembley.

If England fail to win they will be condemned to a tricky play-off and Baines feels there is no bigger motivation for the team to get the victory they need.

“Qualifying for a World Cup is as big a carrot as you could probably dangle in front of any player,” the Everton left-back said.

“World Cups don’t come around too often in a player’s career. Everyone is hungry for that opportunity to get there and we are one game away from there.

“We know what job needs to be done and hopefully we will do it.

“The magnitude of the game is something we are all aware of. On Friday we had to make sure it was in our own hands and we have to go and finish the job now.”

Baines was one of the star performers on Friday night as England demolished Montenegro 4-1 to remain top of Group H and looks certain to start against Poland after it was confirmed yesterday that Ashley Cole will again be absent due to a rib injury.

Baines admits he is playing with more freedom because of the knowledge that he is certain to start.

“You enjoy it a lot more when you know you are going to get a game,” said Baines, who has just 20 caps to his name.

“It was good to be able to prepare for the game in that frame of mind, really, rather than just waiting in the wings.

“It is great to be in and playing.

“There is a significance with every cap you get and you grow into it more and more. It has been good to be involved in more qualifiers in this campaign.

“I’m pleased with how things are going at the moment and it was great to play on Friday and get the win.”

Baines was by no means the only decent performer against the Montenegrins.

Wayne Rooney became the highest competitive goal scorer in England’s history when he opened the scoring and there were also encouraging performances from Danny Welbeck and, to a lesser extent, Daniel Sturridge.

Andros Townsend stole the show, however, with a goal and an assist on debut.

Baines has been given a torrid time in training by the Tottenham winger and has backed the 22-year-old to put on a repeat performance against Poland.

“It was great for him to score that goal and he is now an important part of the squad who can produce match-winning performances,” Baines said.

“It was a great performance and it was a massive lift for us.”

Many were taken aback by Roy Hodgson’s decision to hand Townsend his debut and the England manager’s general positivity in the build-up to the game.

Ex-professionals came out in force to denounce England after their drab 0-0 draw in Kiev, but Baines sees plenty of reason for optimism should the team get to Brazil.

“We have fresh blood and excitement—– combined with the experience of other players — and that mix puts us in a great position to go there and try and do something there,” Baines said.