David Moyes believes Phil Jagielka is a serious contender to hold down a centre-half berth for England.
Toffees boss believes his centre-half is among the best in the business
David Moyes believes Phil Jagielka is a serious contender to hold down a centre-half berth for England.
The Everton defender has struggled with injury over recent years, restricting him to just six appearances for his country.
He is, however, fit and healthy again at the moment and ready to stake a claim for a regular role in Fabio Capello's starting XI.
The 28-year-old will get another opportunity to prove his worth when England face Wales in a Euro 2012 qualifier on Saturday, having been included in Sunday's squad announcement.
With Rio Ferdinand sidelined there is every chance Jagielka will get the nod in Cardiff, and Moyes thinks he deserves his shot.
He said: "Jags has to be the one who says 'I want to overhaul [John] Terry and the others'.
"Sometimes he suffers from self-doubt but he should be looking at himself being a future Everton captain.
"We know he needs to improve a lot of things if he is going to get right to the very top, but overall I think he is excellent."
Target
While aware that he is in contention for a starting place against Wales, Jagielka, who recently penned a new long-term contract at Goodison Park, insists he will be taking nothing for granted when it comes to international football.
He said: "If I see myself as a regular in the squad in the next three or four years then hopefully that'll lead to plenty more caps.
"We will go from there but I wouldn't be as stupid to say I'll be in the starting XI, there are a lot of good players out there.
"It's a case of me doing what I can and waiting to see what team Mr Capello picks."
