VIDEO: Jagielka joy at Euro chance
Tuesday, 29 May, 2012
Phil Jagielka hopes he can stay lucky following his late call-up to the England squad
Everton's
Phil Jagielka hopes he can stay lucky for England following his late call-up to Roy Hodgson's
Euro 2012 squad.
Jagielka has been selected following an injury to Gareth Barry and is amazed at his sudden turn around in fortunes.
He said: "It was disappointing and frustrating not to be in the original 23 but the Manager was very honest and straight up with me. He asked if I would be on standby and play a part in
the Norway game in case anything happened. I got to play 90 minutes for my country which was fantastic and a few days later I am in the 23.
"I wasn't trying to think too far ahead at the weekend and it was a lottery as to which player the Manager chose but thankfully, for me, I got the nod."
Jagielka, who can play in midfield, could also get the chance to build on his long-standing defensive partnership with Joleon Lescott.
He added: "Joleon and I have known each other for over ten years - he is a day older - and go back to youth level and Everton. His career has gone on to fantastic things at Manchester City and I think I have done ok for myself.
"But it is always nice to have a familiar face next to you at international level because the standards are so high. I think that's three games and three wins when we have played together so I am sure he will be as happy as I am with those results.
"I am happy to be No.18 in the squad and now I hope I will survive the next few weeks, stay fit and hopefully get some game time."
Jagielka also asked for the press and public not to expect too much from this England squad and added: "If we win a game we will be favourites and if lose a game we will be a waste of space.
"If we are realistic, we haven't won anything for a number of years so hopefully we will perform a little better and see where it takes us."