The right-back was drafted into Sven's squad for England's summer tour of the USA, and he played in both games against the host country and Colombia.

As well as Young, Darren Bent has also been selected by Sven - an indication that the England Head Coach is noticing players who make an impact at The Valley, says the defender.

"I'd be lying if I said the World Cup and England wasn't in the back of my mind," he said.

"I know I'll have to pull up some trees and play even better than I did last year - which I felt was my best ever season in the Premiership - but at least, having been called up, I know you do get noticed at Charlton."

The 26-year-old was named Charlton's player of the year last season following a string of consistent displays but the defender knows he will have to raise his game to another level if he is to be in Sven's thoughts again next summer.

"It started with Chris Powell's call-up a few years ago," Young explained. "After that everyone realised that Sven was seriously looking outside of the Premiership's top clubs. That gave everyone at the club a real lift, and then there was my call-up and now Darren's.''

Despite the fact Young only saw 19 minutes of international action in those two matches, the experience of the tour has left him feeling hungry for more.

"For me it was a great experience to get to know the England training regime and set-up, now at least if I get the call from Sven again, I know what to expect,'' Young said in the South London Press.

"Obviously training with the country's best players is a great opportunity to test yourself and your ability. After that you can assess how far off you are, or how close you are to that higher level of play.

"I'm realistic enough to know that when I got my call-up there were a lot of defensive injuries, but I still hope I can be part of Eriksson's plans for the future.

"I know now I have to produce a season better than last year if I have a realistic chance of getting more caps.''