Despite being expected to start in alongside John Terry in defence against Wales tommorow, Phil Jagielka still believes that he has yet to show his true potential for England
Phil Jagielka is expected to feature alongside John Terry in the heart of defence with Rio Ferdinand injured. But the Everton defender insisted that there are better things to come from him in the future.
The former Sheffield United defender endured a torrid debut against Spain in 2009 when one of his errors presented the World Champions with a goal. He was subsequently substituted at half time and while Jagielka refused to downgrade himself, he admitted that he is still being disturbed by that unlucky incident.
He was quoted as saying by The Guardian: "I probably won't be in our top five players of the season which is disappointing. I like to analyze my game and try and improve.
"I'm a realist. I've not been playing badly but I wouldn't class myself as having a great season."
Regarding his substitution after that mistake against Spain, he said: "I think it might have been pre-planned. I'd like to think that it was, rather than me just getting dragged off.
“It was a bit of an eye-opener. Welcome to international football. Normally in your team if you make a mistake at the weekend there's another game coming up straight away and you can hopefully rectify it.
“I had to wait. It definitely made me realise how hard it is mentally when you have to deal with the disappointments."
Wales confirmed that Gareth Bale will miss the clash with England but Jagielka stressed that they are still a dangerous side, especially with Craig Bellamy among the ranks.
"He's a bit of a character," Jagielka continued, "but he loves to play football and he loves to win. I'd like him in our changing room. He's not one of those people who shout for the sake of shouting.
“He shouts because it needs to be said. A lot of times you don't want to hear it. I don't think you can question his love for the game and his enthusiasm. Sometimes it might be a bit cutting or a bit hurtful. But that is obviously how he goes around playing football.
"Obviously if he doesn't get a ball he lets you know. With some players, if they don't get the ball they take it you didn't see them or couldn't get it to them. It's fair enough [with Bellamy] – next time you get it you pass it to him.
“He's had a fantastic career and he's a great player. He'll be one we'll have to look out for."
The former Sheffield United defender endured a torrid debut against Spain in 2009 when one of his errors presented the World Champions with a goal. He was subsequently substituted at half time and while Jagielka refused to downgrade himself, he admitted that he is still being disturbed by that unlucky incident.
He was quoted as saying by The Guardian: "I probably won't be in our top five players of the season which is disappointing. I like to analyze my game and try and improve.
"I'm a realist. I've not been playing badly but I wouldn't class myself as having a great season."
Regarding his substitution after that mistake against Spain, he said: "I think it might have been pre-planned. I'd like to think that it was, rather than me just getting dragged off.
“It was a bit of an eye-opener. Welcome to international football. Normally in your team if you make a mistake at the weekend there's another game coming up straight away and you can hopefully rectify it.
“I had to wait. It definitely made me realise how hard it is mentally when you have to deal with the disappointments."
Wales confirmed that Gareth Bale will miss the clash with England but Jagielka stressed that they are still a dangerous side, especially with Craig Bellamy among the ranks.
"He's a bit of a character," Jagielka continued, "but he loves to play football and he loves to win. I'd like him in our changing room. He's not one of those people who shout for the sake of shouting.
“He shouts because it needs to be said. A lot of times you don't want to hear it. I don't think you can question his love for the game and his enthusiasm. Sometimes it might be a bit cutting or a bit hurtful. But that is obviously how he goes around playing football.
"Obviously if he doesn't get a ball he lets you know. With some players, if they don't get the ball they take it you didn't see them or couldn't get it to them. It's fair enough [with Bellamy] – next time you get it you pass it to him.
“He's had a fantastic career and he's a great player. He'll be one we'll have to look out for."
