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The Mail Bag

Little England

Congratulations to Philip Jagielka: his England call-up is totally deserved as he is a credit to the game and the art of the centre back.

But where is Joleon Lescott's name on the list? Capello must think he's very well off for class defenders (does that include Upson?) to leave him out. Personally I hope that Phil the Jag gets a good rest during his international tour of duty, and I'm sure that the Everton squad will be very well looked after this week.
Keith Glazzard, Fallowfield Posted 07/02/2009 at 19:00:17

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Jimmy Hacking
1 Posted 08/02/2009 at 08:30:25

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Bear in mind Keith that this is very much an experimental England squad (Carlton Cole, for crying out loud?!) for a rather meaningless friendly. I get the feeling that Capello already likes what he sees about Lescott. I?m sure he?ll find himself with at least a place on the bench for the Ukraine match.

Gavin Ramejkis
2 Posted 08/02/2009 at 09:20:36

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If he comes back injured, I?ll be mightily pissed off with little Engerland...

Tim Banks
3 Posted 08/02/2009 at 10:06:06

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Have to say that I’d rather Jagielka did play for England. I don’t think he’s lacking in confidence, but a good performance on the international stage will provide an extra boost for him. If he gets injured, it would be unfortunate, but I can’t stand this idea of not wanting him to be called up on that basis. We want as many players as possible getting exposure to international football, preferably competitive, as this is what gives them experience.

As for the point about Carlton Cole - the man’s on form, and that’s what Capello has stated is the basis for picking his squad. Nothing experimental about it at all, it’s common sense.

Tony Haines
4 Posted 08/02/2009 at 10:30:12

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Well done Jags. His performances in the last 10 or so games have been outstanding. Always willing to put his head in were it hursts and never say die attitude. His performances in the 3 meetings with Liverpool were top class and the face on Torres for those encounters was there for all to see.

Special mention to Leighton Baines as well, who for me is showing the kind of performances that will surely warrant a call up in the near future. He’s a real footballing left back , good in a tackle, get’s forward and uses the ball remarkably well. IMO he’s far better than the overated Wayne Bridge and Nicky Shorey, the latter can’t get in the Villa side at present. I think Bainsy’s in with a shout.

Gavin Harris
5 Posted 08/02/2009 at 11:07:11

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Don’t forget that having players playing for their countries, the bigger the better, reflects favourably on the club .

Well done jags, you’ve done fantastic and deserve your call up. Lescott will get his chance becuase he is a class act and miles better than Mr Upson. Cole?????????!!!!!!

Michael Hunt
6 Posted 08/02/2009 at 13:46:30

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Capello has missed a trick here...out whole back four (all English) now has a proven ability to shut out the Spanish Armada (as evidenced very convincingly against the shite).
I just hope the current back four remains in tact for a long time...we gifted Villa goals last time we played them, but on current form of our defensive unit they’ll be very lucky to breach it at all come next weekend in the FA Cup.

Jay Harris
7 Posted 08/02/2009 at 16:56:12

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Jagielka's call up is well deserved but so is Lescott?s.

I can only think the italian connection and London base has got Upson and Cole in the squad who IMO are 2 very average limited players.

Let?s hope Jags gets a game to prove his claim for a place in the first choice squad.

Jason Lam
8 Posted 09/02/2009 at 04:08:45

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Disappointed Lescott not included. A worthy mention is Pip as a utility man (fullbacks and busy midfielder ? is Hargreaves out?)