Liverpool winger Stewart Downing has set his sights on holding down a place in England's starting lineup.

The 27-year-old has been in and out of the England squad in recent months but has now targeted a permanent role in the team, rather than just "making up the numbers".

"The team at Liverpool are playing well and I'm happy with my form at the minute. The fact that the manager put a lot of faith in me, spending that amount of money on me, does give me a lot of confidence," said the winger.

"Now my big aim is to do well for Liverpool and prove to Fabio [Capello, manager] that I'm good enough not only to be in the squad, but in his team. I've got myself back in the squad, but I don't want just to be making up the numbers. I want to be playing.

"There's a major championship coming up at the end of the season and to get in that party will be difficult because there are a lot of wingers playing for places. But I've got to be on form and playing well to give myself a chance."

England take on Bulgaria in a Euro 2012 qualifier on Friday before facing Wales on Tuesday evening.