The former Arsenal and Birmingham City centre-back replaced the injured Rio Ferdinand for England against Kazakhstan, reward for an impressive season for the Hammers.

Upson has paid tribute Zola for integrating a more Italian approach into his game, with more emphasis on man-marking than attacking the ball.

"I had the opportunity at Arsenal but wasn't ready to take it," he said. "I took a step down when I moved to Birmingham but I had to learn to defend and work on my all-round game.

"Now I feel I have improved massively working with Zola on a daily basis and that has helped me at international level.

"Traditionally, English defenders attack the ball. But the boss has a more Italian view of man-marking and really getting hold of your opponent.

"It wasn't that clever when he first arrived at West Ham because we weren't doing what he wanted. But he eventually got his point across and it has definitely improved me as a centre-half."