Phil Jagielka says England need to play well in their high profile pre-Euro 2016 friendlies
Tuesday 13 October 2015 23:33, UK
England defender Phil Jagielka says it is important the team build on their perfect record in qualification for Euro 2016 by performing well in their high profile friendlies ahead of the tournament.
Roy Hodgson's side bounced back from their 2014 World Cup flop by qualifying for next summer's tournament in France with a 100 per cent record.
And centre-back Jagielka captained England to the 3-0 win in Lithuania with which they concluded their qualifying campaign on Monday.
While he accepts that the Three Lions were handed a relatively straightforward group, the Everton man says the string of victories has boosted the confidence of the squad.
"It's got to be positive because there was nothing positive to come out of the World Cup," said Jagielka.
"When the draw for the Euros came out, we knew it was obviously not going to be the hardest of groups, but we knew we had to go and play well and perform well. Ten wins out of 10 says it all.
"Obviously there were some better performances and some not so good performances in there but confidence is quite high.
"We have decided to play some pretty tough friendlies coming up, which will be great for the fans and for us to play in and test ourselves."
England begin their build-up to Euro 2016 with a trip to 2012 winners Spain on November 13 before playing host to France on the following Tuesday.
If we don't look to pick strong teams, then the friendlies are pointless. If we pick strong teams, then we probably put ourselves under a bit of pressure.
"It's difficult," said Jagielka. "If we don't look to pick strong teams, then the friendlies are pointless. If we pick strong teams, then we probably put ourselves under a bit of pressure.
"But we need to go out and play well. Use the formula and game plans we have been putting together during this qualifying campaign, and see how it stacks up against the so-called better teams of Europe.
"Hopefully we play well in those games and it gives us a bit more confidence looking forward to boarding the plane to France."
