LEIGHTON BAINES admits his difficult Wembley experience against Mexico has made him even more determined to make his “dream come true” of a World Cup finals place.

Baines was one of several England players to struggle for form in the 3-1 friendly victory over impressive opponents on Monday evening.

The Everton man is competing with Aston Villa’s Stephen Warnock for the role of Ashley Cole’s understudy at the forthcoming World Cup finals in South Africa.

Having made an encouraging international debut against Egypt in March, Baines was handed a second successive start by Fabio Capello against the Mexicans. And while accepting he fell below the high standards he has set during a fine season at Goodison, the 25-year-old will scrap to make the final 23-man squad when Capello wields the axe on Tuesday.

“Did I enjoy the evening? Not really, no,” said Baines. “It was hard work but we won.

“When the manager said the Chelsea lads would not be playing, I wasn’t sure if I’d start or what would happen. Luckily enough I got to play the full 90 minutes.

“It would be a dream come true to make the 23. The majority of places for the other lads are probably cemented but it’s far from the case for me and a few others.

“We are still fighting, trying to get there. But I’d have liked to have done better against Mexico.”

England have one final friendly against Japan in Austria on Sunday before Capello whittles down his 30-man preliminary party to the 23 for the tournament.