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Hammers defender ready to qualify for Russia

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Jose Fonte says he is ready to help secure his country’s place at the World Cup next summer ahead of Portugal’s upcoming qualifiers against Andorra and Switzerland.

The West Ham defender was a key member of Portugal’s squad as they won the European Championship for the first time in their history, however Fernando Santos’ side are still yet to qualify for next years tournament in Russia.

Fonte however knows that back-to-back wins will secure automatic qualification, and the veteran defender is ready for the challenge ahead.

“We have two massive games. We have to win away in Andorra, which is always tricky on their artificial pitch. Then, if we win in Andorra, we face the decider with Switzerland and if we beat them, we will qualify directly.” Fonte told whufc.com.

“So, we’re going to try to beat Andorra first, we have to focus on that game. Then we have to beat Switzerland in our home stadium, the Stadium of Light in Lisbon, where the atmosphere will be unbelievable and we’ve got to deliver and do the job.”

The defender was only called up to his national side for the first time two years ago at the age of 31 whilst he was at former club Southampton, but he said he has enjoyed every moment of it and is glad it happened, even if later than he perhaps had hoped.

“It’s great to be part of, to be part of a squad containing some of the best players in the world. It’s every player’s dream.

“I was quite late to the national team, only making my debut at 31, so it’s new to me. I have played 26 games and I’m enjoying every single moment of it.”

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