Terry talk frustrates Jags

Phil Jagielka and John Terry together on England duty in 2012

England defender Phil Jagielka has admitted he finds calls for John Terry to be brought back into the international fold frustrating.

Terry elected to end his England career in 2012, accusing the Football Association of making his position within the international set-up “untenable” in the wake of the Anton Ferdinand racism row.

Last season some pundits suggested that Terry should return to the England fold following a series of impressive performances for Chelsea alongside Gary Cahill.

Roy Hodgson ruled that out, insisting that with Jagielka and Cahill, along with Chris Smalling and Phil Jones, he was happy with his options going into the World Cup.

After being part of a team that conceded just four goals in qualifying, Jagielka has every right to feel annoyed every time someone insists Terry should have been coaxed out of retirement.

“It’s difficult. I can’t say I particularly like to hear it.”
Phil Jagielka

“It’s difficult. I can’t say I particularly like to hear it,” Jagielka said when asked about calls for Terry’s return.

“I understand why I do (hear it). Obviously Gaz and JT play together at Chelsea, they play in the Champions League and were contenders to win the Premier League.

“I was asked the other day, that while our attack looks good would our defence be okay? I felt like laughing.

“Our defensive record in the qualifiers was pretty decent, but I can’t stop what people are going to ask. I stop, smile and get on with it.”

He may be fresh-faced and lean after an intense week-long training camp in Portugal, but make no mistake – Jagielka is very much a senior member of this England squad.

“Our defensive record in the qualifiers was pretty decent, but I can’t stop what people are going to ask. I stop, smile and get on with it.”
Phil Jagielka

At 31 years old, he knows this will probably be his last chance to play on the biggest stage in world football and is determined to make the most of it.

“My career path has been slightly different to some of the lads who have been involved with England since they were teenagers,” said Jagielka, who was an unused substitute during Euro 2012.

“If I had got a chance I would have tried to seize the moment at the Euros, but it wasn’t to be.

“Hopefully I will this time. I know at 31 I won’t be around forever and this could be my one tournament.”

Cahill and Jagielka first played together in England’s 1-1 draw with Ghana in 2011 yet their paths almost crossed four years earlier.

Cahill arrived at Sheffield United on loan just after Jagielka had left for Everton following a nine-year spell at Bramall Lane.

Jordan Henderson is hoping his midfield partnership with Steven Gerrard will help England this summer in Brazil.

In their 10 appearances together for the national side, they are yet to taste defeat and eight goals have been conceded.

Cahill, who hails from Dronfield just outside of Sheffield, share a common interest in the red half of the Steel City with Jagielka which has helped them develop a close relationship.

“He is a Sheffield lad and I played for them so there is plenty to talk about,” Jagielka said.

“Our relationship is a good one. We spend a lot of time together and we laugh and joke.

“We do not have a tremendous amount of caps but they have mostly been with each other.”