LEIGHTON BAINES is determined to take his England opportunity – as Phil Neville lauded his Everton team-mate as the best left-back in the country.

With Wayne Bridge and Ashley Cole both absent, Baines received his second call-up from Fabio Capello for the friendly against Egypt at Wembley tomorrow.

Cole is facing a race against time to be fit for the World Cup after suffering a broken ankle at Goodison last month, while Bridge last week announced his international retirement in the wake of his fall-out with John Terry.

It has increased the chances of a left-back berth becoming available for South Africa, with Baines likely to compete with Aston Villa’s Stephen Warnock for any vacant slot.

And the 25-year-old has vowed to make the most of his chance should he be given any playing time tomorrow.

“I was delighted to get called up,” said Baines. “Obviously it’s been on my mind for one reason or another and people have been talking about it so it was nice to get the call.

“The fact that Everton have been playing so well has helped. We’ve done very well in the last couple of months and the good teams get noticed.

“I’m looking forward to the experience and just hope I get an opportunity.

“I think every player in and around the squad will be thinking about the World Cup. It’s a way off yet but it’s only natural for it to be on your mind.”

Baines’s previous international call up came in March last year for the fixtures against Slovakia and Ukraine, although the defender is still waiting for his debut after failing to figure in either match.

And the left-back’s claims are being backed by team-mate Phil Neville, who believes Baines has been Everton’s most outstanding player this season.

“I don’t think there is a better left-back in England at the moment than Leighton Baines,” said Neville. “I just hope he gets his chance on Wednesday and I’m sure that once he gets out on that pitch he will be fine because he has been outstanding for us this season.