Center Back: Phil Jagielka

Coauthored by Seth Johnson and Stephen Kirchner

1_phil_jagielka_2015

Obtained from Google search “Phil Jagielka,” labeled for noncommercial reuse

Height: 180 cm

Weight: 87 kg

Senior Experience: 2000-present

Caps: 39

Club: Everton (English Premier League)

Season Statistics: 0 Goals; 0 Assists; 43 Tackles

Role and Projected Tournament Outlook:

Another seasoned veteran in Hodgson’s backline, Phil Jagielka will return to the European championships for the second time, despite not seeing the field in the 2012 Euros. After playing in the disappointing 2014 World Cup outing for England, Jagielka is the second-most experienced back on the squad with 39 caps, behind Gary Cahill’s 41, and has scored three goals for the Three Lions during that time (EU-Football, 2016). So far during this year’s qualifying phase, Jagielka has made six appearances and scored one goal for England (UEFA, 2016).

As another leader in the backline, expect to see Jagielka playing as a solid voice in front of Joe Hart in goal. The Everton defender became the first player from the club to captain England against Lithuania in October 2015 in a qualifying match for the upcoming Euros (Morgan, 2015), and will continue his leadership role for Hodgson on the pitch this summer. Despite having hamstring problems late in the season and having to have a second scan to play for Everton (Kirkbride, 2016), there is little doubt that Jagielka will be ready for England in France this summer.

Playing in one of the center back positions alongside Cahill, Jagielka will be expected to play long balls from the back line to set up the English on the counterattack, or to clear the ball to begin longer possessive runs (Who Scored, “Phil,” 2016). Utilizing both tendencies from the back, Jagielka will fit perfectly in Hodgson’s system, whether he is expected lead the attack or clear ahead to the more dangerous front third.

 

How to cite this article: “Center Back: Phil Jagielka” Written by Seth Johnson and Stephen Kirchner (2016), European Cup 2016 Guide, Soccer Politics Blog, Duke University, http://sites.duke.edu/wcwp/tournament-guides/european-cup-2016-guide/english-national-team/englands-projecting-starting-xi/center-back-phil-jagielka/ (accessed on (date)).

 

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