JAGIELKA INCLUDED IN SQUAD

  • Posted on: 21 June 2012

The English Football Association has confirmed that they have included Everton midfielder Phil Jagielka, who can also play in the defence, as a replacement for Manchester City midfielder Gareth Barry, who has been ruled out for the competition after suffering an injury in the friendly against Norway recently.

Gareth Barry and Scott Parker were expected to be the first-team regulars for England at the Euro 2012. However, the unfortunate injury suffered by Gareth Barry in the 1-0 win over Norway recently has scuppered the plans of teaming the Manchester City midfielder with the Tottenham midfielder.

Manager Roy Hodgson has already named his backup squad and players in the event of an unfortunate injury like in the case of Gareth Barry. He has now decided to take Phil Jagielka from this squad to the Euro 2012. Phil Jagielka was an England regular under former manager Fabio Capello, but he was not selected for the original 23 man squad by Roy Hodgson.

Now, he will not only provide an option in the midfield, but also in the defence as well. It is also likely that Frank Lampard will now get more opportunities to play in the tournament. England are in the group containing France, Sweden and Ukraine.

"I'm very disappointed to lose Gareth. Not only was he a member of my original 23-man squad but he has featured prominently in the England team over the last few years. I know how much he wanted to be part of the tournament but I'm sure he will still have a part to play with England after the Euros. I wish him a speedy recovery," said Hodgson after the injury sustained by Gareth Barry.

The former Aston Villa midfielder won his first Premier league title of his career with Manchester city this season.