Jagielka optimistic over World Cup chances

(GSM) – Everton’s Phil Jagielka will not give up on a possible place in England’s World Cup squad. The Toffees’ utility man remains optimistic over his chances to feature in this summer’s World Cup.

Having recovered from a long-term knee injury, the 27-year-old is back in action with David Moyes’ team and hoping to impress England manager Fabio Capello.

Jagielka missed out on Fabio Capello’s squad that played against Egypt. However, he still hopes a return to top form for his club can prompt a recall ahead of the World Cup.

“Maybe the World Cup will come too soon for me but a lot can happen between now and May,” Jagielka told the Liverpool Echo.

“Once Christmas came and went and I still wasn’t playing I resigned myself to not being able to kick on and at least give Fabio Capello a headache. But I’m fit now and I’ve got 11 games left for Everton.

“All I can do is perform well and get as much football as possible under my belt. If I was a gambling man I wouldn’t put too much money on me making it but you never know.

“People can get injured and people can have a good or bad run of form so I’ll keep battling,” added Jagielka, whose last cap came against Ukraine last April.

The former Sheffield United man, who can play in defence and midfield, has three caps for England.