“We’ve qualified for the World Cup, I think Sven has done a marvellous job. The main thing is we’ve qualified and I hope we have a good one,” he said.

“First of all I have to play for Madrid, I’ve only started one game for them. There is a long way to go until the World Cup.

“The (England) defenders are playing really well at the moment. If he calls me, that’s good, and if he doesn’t, that’s not a problem.”

Speaking in his first official press conference since joining Real Madrid in August 2004, Woodgate said he has fully recovered from the twisted ankle he picked up last week and is looking forward to continuing his recovery in a friendly game in Zaragoza tomorrow.

“I feel fine with no problem. I will play tomorrow, it’s good practice for me,” said Woodgate, who admitted he still has some way to go before he will be back to his best.

“I need to play more games because I’m not match fit at the moment, and the more I play the better I’ll get. I need to play a lot.”

Having been used to the English system of playing in reserve team games when recovering from injury, Woodgate has had to get used to using training sessions and friendly games in Spain.

“In England it is different,” he explained. “There are reserve teams and you play in midweek, but I can’t complain because the manager has laid on games for me. However, it would be better for me if there was a reserve team.

“My muscles are perfect at the moment, I am totally recovered. What I need to do now is to play, but the coach has to pick the team. Players have done well. My turn will come, and when I get my opportunity I have to take my chance.”

Although Woodgate is still a long way from being ready for an international recall, he believes the national squad is well equipped without him and reserved special praise for his former Leeds team-mate Rio Ferdinand, who was criticised in the press this week.

“In my opinion Rio is one of the best defenders in the world,” he said.

“He’s a great player and a great lad. He gets stick off the press for some reason, but he’s a great lad and a great friend as well.”

The 25-year-old also tried to dodge any controversy about Madrid team-mate David Beckham’s sending-off by Spanish referee Luis Medina Cantalejo.

“I saw the England game and didn’t think David deserved to get sent off, but that’s football and he’ll get on with it,” added Woodgate.

“It’s not as physical here as in the Premier League, but the referee has a tough time and has to make a decision. The referees are just as good here as in England.”