http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Italy-c2926, in an
international friendly on Wednesday.
Roy Hodgson’s unit, who were seconded by the Azzurri in the quarterfinals of the Euro 2012 competition, fell behind in the 15th minute, following De Rossi’s headed goal from a corner kick. The Evertonian then levelled things up just at the stroke
of half time by heading home a http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Jermain-Defoe-c18359 grabbed the winner in the second period.
The goal on Wednesday was Jagielka’s first for England in 13 caps. He featured in the entire first half, before being substituted by http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Joleon-Lescott-c18941 in the second.
Talking to the reporters after the game, the 29-year old unravelled his happiness upon scoring his maiden goal for the Three Lions. He was also glad to be a part of his manager’s starting line-up and indicated that it had helped bolster his confidence ahead
of their upcoming international fixtures.
The defender is reported to have said, “When you hear that the squad is going to have a few players left out of it, to give other people a game, I was desperate to get a starting role and I got that tonight.”
“It was nice to get 60-65 minutes under my belt, another cap and obviously my first international goal, which is a massive bonus and I'm looking forward to the internationals coming up.”
Jagielka was also a part of Roy Hodgson’s 23-man contingent for the European Championships. However, he failed to make a single appearance throughout the tournament.
Nonetheless, commenting on his side’s performance against Italy, the defender admitted that they got off to a slow start, but settled down after scoring the equalizing goal.
He further said that the game had also given the manager a chance to test some of the younger players in the squad, before their World Cup qualifiers.
“There were a lot of debuts tonight and a fantastic goal to win it.”
Jagielka will now fly back to Merseyside to join the training sessions, as he prepares for Everton’s Premier League opener against Manchester United on Monday.
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