Jagielka hopes to shine for England

Phil Jagielka has admitted his England call-ups have brought a ray of sunshine to an otherwise frustrating season.

The Everton player has started every game he was fit for with his country this season, including the opening two Euro 2012 qualifiers against Bulgaria and Switzerland, when his outstanding displays raised question marks over newly re-instated captain John Terry's international future.

However, the praise Jagielka has received masked what, for him in particular, has been a troubled time at Goodison Park due to injury and inconsistent form, and he said: "It has been a topsy-turvy season for the whole team at Everton and I would definitely put myself into that bracket as well. I am quite self-critical."

He added: "I know when I have played well. I don't need to pick up a paper to see what rating I have got and I have family and friends around to tell me if I need to start livening up and putting better performances in.

"I have picked up a few niggling injuries along the way, which has been frustrating.

"I certainly would have liked to play better over the course of the season at Everton but I have done quite well when I have played for England which is a bit strange."

Jagielka is scrapping it out with Michael Dawson, Gary Cahill and Joleon Lescott for the right to partner Terry in central defence when England tackle Wales in a Euro 2012 qualifier at the Millennium Stadium on Saturday.

Terry's return as skipper has effectively left just one spot available in central defence but Jagielka has no qualms with the Chelsea talisman captaining England once more.

"John goes about his business the way he has always done," said Jagielka. "He is the first to smash you in training. He is also the first to shake your hand and pick you up.

"He is a nice guy. He speaks to everyone. He has no best friends or worst friends. I am delighted to have him as a captain."