The Manchester City winger is hoping for a breakthrough international start against Holland on Wednesday after an outstanding season in the Premiership.

But suggestions that he is determined to knock Beckham out of the side would be wide of the mark - because the youngster is desperate to learn as much as he can from England’s captain.

The two could end up playing alongside each other at Villa Park this week, and Wright-Phillips is understandably on a high as he begins his bid to impress Head Coach Sven-Goran Eriksson.

With two World Cup qualifiers against Northern Ireland and Azerbaijan coming up, it is the perfect time to prove his worth. And he is setting his sights high.

He said: "It’s one of my dreams to play in a World Cup finals. I always watched it as a kid and hoped that one day I would play in it and maybe even say that I’ve won it. That’s how much it means, it means the world.

"Dad never really got to do it and he said how it felt to miss out and said he would like me to go a step further and be in the squad and go places with England. That’s what I want too."

It is a worthy ambition for the adopted son of England star Ian Wright. And although on paper it would seem that Beckham stands in Shaun’s way, as both players traditionally play on the right of midfield, he is quick to dismiss suggestions about taking over from the captain.

He said: "It’s no really m y decision I’m just here to try and be involved in an England squad and what will be, will be. Everybody knows what a great player David Beckham is and what a great person as well. I’m just learning off him every day to be honest.

"I know if want to go far in my football career I have to do as well as him and if that means learning from him I’m glad to do it. I like to learn from people and better myself.

"I know I’m still learning. I’m still only 23 and I’m willing to listen and I have a lot to offer. I’m just happy to be named in the squad and to pull on a shirt is another big step for me.

"I’m just out there to let people know I can play. I’m learning more and more off the people here and they encourage me and give me the confidence to play."

The form of Wright-Phillips is a major boost for the Three Lions as we bid to reach Germany in 2006, and there is certain to be a buzz of excitement whenever he is on the ball against Holland.

His lightning-quick pace, super-fast footwork and happy-go-lucky attitude have been a breath of fresh air this season – with even Arsenal’s Thierry Henry hailing him as one of the best players in the country.

Those kind of compliments would make any man blush, but Wright-Phillips takes it all his stride and retains that same down-to-earth humility that makes him so popular in the England squad.

"It’s nice to know people give me that sort of compliment because you don’t always get it," he admitted. "To get it from Arsenal and Manchester United and people in the England squad gives you more confidence and helps you to go on and do even more in games.

"But the way I’ve played this season is down to the players I play with and the lads with England will do the same for me.

"I get really excited just to be named in the squad and to be with the lads that are here and with the coaching staff as well.. I’d like to be around a long time for England and if I do get a chance I want to grab it with both hands."

It’s the nature of modern football that Shaun’s form not only makes him a Manchester City hero but also creates inevitable speculation about his future.

Would he want to play for one of the top three? Can he achieve his dreams without moving club? Who is lining up to sign him?

But the 23-year-old has a mature attitude towards all the headlines and has learned to focus totally on his football.

"I just think about the present," he insisted. "I’m at City at the moment and I love playing for the club and that’s where my concentration is. I’m playing some of the best football of my career there, so the thought of leaving hasn’t even crossed my mind."

That’s great news for City fans and for England fans, too. Because you can guarantee Shaun Wright-Phillips will be 100 per cent focused on terrorising Holland if he is given a chance on Wednesday. Just watch him go.