FRANCK QUEUDRUE is backing Middlesbrough teammate Gareth Southgate to force his way into England's Euro 2004 squad, and dreams of playing against his club skipper in the big Group B clash next year.

June 13, 2004 has been pencilled in by many as the biggest game of the group stages in Portugal, when European Cup holders France take on England.

But time is running out for both men to prove their worth to their national coaches, with Southgate the more likely of the two to make it to Portugal.

The experienced Boro captain had to pull out of the last England squad, which faced Denmark, after picking up a thigh strain.

Southgate was overlooked by Sven-Goran Eriksson for the national team's four previous matches, but hopes to make the squad for the friendly in Portugal in February.

Queudrue is surprised that there is any debate over the 33-year-old's place, seeing him, and Boro colleague Ugo Ehiogu, as ideal cover for the first choice centre-back pairing of Sol Campbell and Rio Ferdinand.

Queudrue said: "I've learned lot from Gareth Southgate. He is Mr Consistency. He's got experience, he's committed and he's a leader.

"He guides younger players and I am very surprised that he's not a regular with England. If you've got Southgate, Ehiogu or players like that going to Euro 2004 they are ideal cover for Ferdinand and Campbell."

The ideal scenario for the French full-back would be to come up against Southgate in Lisbon.

The 25-year-old is hoping to see his own international ambitions realised at Euro 2004, and is aiming to catch the eye of French coach Jacques Santini.

Queudrue believes the fact that so many of the current French side play in the Premiership can only boost his chances of playing for his country

"Every player is hopeful of one day playing for their country - and I'm no different," said Queudrue.

"I know I need to be playing regularly and hopefully with all the current French internationals in the Premiership I can impress the coach.

"I want to be the best player in my position for my club and country."

The £2.5m signing has settled well on Teesside with his wife Ismerie and 22-month-old daughter Lilie, and has put his disciplinary problems behind him.

Last term saw the former Lens man sent off three times, culminating in his dismissal at Bolton on the final day of the season.

The Football Association threw the book at the full back for his poor record, handing him a five- game ban at the start of the season.

Queudrue decided to go back to basics in an attempt to cut out the bookings and dismissals, and worked with Boro coach Steve Harrison in the summer on timing his challenges, and staying on his feet when tackling.

"I worked with Steve Harrison on my defence," said Queudrue, who received his marching orders against Newcastle and Leeds, as well as at The Reebok.

"We watched videos of how I was tackling and set about improving that. I was getting booked because I tackle.

"We worked on staying on my feet and not committing myself too early, and we had a little bet on how many bookings I'd get this season.

"I'm hoping to win that one and then Steve will owe me a meal!"

The results have so far proved impressive with just one booking in his 13 games this season.

Along with Southgate, Colin Cooper and Danny Mills, Queudrue has formed a defensive unit that hasn't conceded in six top-flight games.

That record will be put under threat by high-flying Charlton today, who include their own potential star of Euro 2004, Scott Parker.

Sven-Goran Eriksson is known to be monitoring Parker's progress, and witnessed a superb brace from the 23-year-old at Southampton last weekend.

Also watching that game from the comfort of his own home was Boro boss Steve McClaren, who was also impressed

"I think he's got all the ingredients to be an international player," said McClaren, who coached the England squad alongside Eriksson.

"When I was at Oxford we came across Charlton quite often and I followed Parker's career.

"He always had ability but he has improved his all-round game. He is more of a complete player.

"He works hard, his attitude is good and he can tackle. Looking at the game last week, he's added goalscoring to his repertoire.

"England have got very good midfield players, and Parker is another one. He's certainly added a toughness to his game which he probably didn't have when he was younger."