Liverpool defender Stephen Warnock is realistic on any chances of being called up by Sven Goran Eriksson to join England's World Cup squad this summer, despite offering cover in the troublesome left-back role.

The 24-year-old was called up by Englan boss Sven Goran Eriksson to the England squad last October when Arsenal’s Ashley Cole was first injured, and it is possible that the young Liverpool left-back could come into contention if both Ashley Cole and Fulham’s Wayne Bridge struggle for fitness ahead of the tournament in Germany.

FIFA have ruled that each national coach has to name his full squad by the May 15 deadline, which may leave little time for Cole to return to match fitness before the scheduled friendly matches begin in late May and Eriksson has already stated that he will have three players on standby in case of injury.

However, Warnock admits he must establish himself at Anfield before realising his international ambitions.

“I am not really thinking about England, I have to cement my place in the Liverpool team and that is something I have not been able to do this season properly,” said Warnock.

“If England comes along it will be a bonus, but I can't see that happening. Wayne Bridge came back from injury for Fulham against us and played very well, he's going to be in the squad for definite, and if Ashley Cole is fit then so will he.

“I am not raising my hopes in any way, I just want to play for Liverpool and that's my main objective.”

Warnock at last fulfilled his lifelong dream of scoring in front of the Kop, striking home from 20 yards out for Liverpool’s fifth goal in their 5-1 mauling of Fulham on Wednesday, just minutes after coming in to the game as a substitute.

After witnessing his Liverpool striking colleagues go through a nightmare goal drought, with, until Wednesday, none of the Anfield Strikers having made the scoresheet in 2006, the Ormskirk-born youth academy defender made it look easy when he drilled home from the edge of the box for his first ever senior goal for the club.

“I was overjoyed to score my first Liverpool goal, and to do it in front of the Kop was special,” added Warnock.

“I must admit that when Peter (Crouch) and me were sitting on the bench still with 10 minutes to go, it didn't look like we would both end up scoring.

“All of a sudden we are both on and both on the scoresheet. That was a dream at the Kop end, and something I will enjoy for a while.”

The Liverpool strikers drought ended with Kop legend Robbie Fowler scoring his first home goal since his return to the club, along with Fernando Morientes and Peter Crouch were also on the scoresheet against Fulham, with Warnock’s strike and an own goal from Michael Brown completing the rout.

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