Gary Cahill, the Bolton defender, is ready to replace Michael Dawson should he be given his first international start for England against Switzerland on Tuesday night.

Cahill's opportunity has come with Michael Dawson suffering knee and ankle ligament damage during Friday's 4-0 European Championship win against Bulgaria at Wembley.

With Fabio Capello, the Three Lions coach, not adding another defender to the squad that leaves Cahill vying with Matty Upson, Joleon Lescott for the right to partner Phil Jagielka in central defence.

"I am ready for it, definitely. There are good centre-backs in the squad but, if called upon, I'll be more than happy to go out and play, more than proud," he said.

Friday night was Cahill's first senior England cap, but it was in unhappy circumstances as he replaced the injured Dawson.

"It wasn't ideal to come on because when you see a teammate on the floor looking in pain it takes the edge off it a little bit," he added.

"I was happy to be playing and proud to represent my country, but when you come back in the changing room and see him injured on the bed it does take a bit of shine off it.

"That aside, I enjoyed it. I've been in the squad for eight games or so now, waiting for a chance to come on and show what I can do. I was hungry to get on there and I enjoyed it."