Tottenham defender gets 45 minutes against Platinum Stars.

Michael Dawson says England are ready to take on the USA in Saturday's World Cup opener in Rustenburg.

And the Tottenham centre-back is adamant he is fully prepared to step into Fabio Capello's side if required.

Dawson was called up by Capello last week after Rio Ferdinand injured his knee, and the 26-year-old played 45 minutes as England continued their tournament preparations with a 3-0 win over Platinum Stars.

Jermain Defoe, Joe Cole and Wayne Rooney were on target as the Three Lions beat the South African Premier League side, and Dawson hopes his involvement will help secure a place in the team on Saturday.

"I'm ready and waiting," said the former England Under-21s defender. "We have to wait and see what the manager does.

"But we have had a good few weeks training and it all starts on Saturday. The first 24 hours since I was called up were a bit busy, but everyone has made me feel welcome.

"I just have to do the best I can, but it was great to get 45 minutes under my belt."

Meanwhile, Ferdinand, the man Dawson replaced, believes it was vital England spent time with the locals in South Africa before the World Cup begins on Saturday.

The team spent time signing autographs and posing for pictures after their 3-0 victory at the Moruleng Stadium.

And the Manchester United defender, who is still with the Three Lions despite suffering a knee ligament injury last week, is adamant it is a important part of the England players' work.

"We came out here to play football, but it is important that the kids got to see us up close like this, and they know what its like to have an international football game in their area," he said.

"The lads wanted to come and see the kids in the different townships, and luckily the kids have been brought to us and we have been able to see them.

"Hopefully we can be an inspiration in one way or another."