http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Phil-Jagielka-c29902 can fill in John Terry’s shoes in the national squad.
The http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Chelsea-c38786 defender called it quits to his international career on Sunday night, taking the entire football world by surprise.
The 31-year old was facing an FA inquiry over his alleged racial abuse of Queens Park Rangers’ http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Anton-Ferdinand-c6260.
He cited his ongoing hearing to be the reason behind the decision, claiming that the FA had put him in an ‘untenable’ position.
His departure from the national team has left the door ajar for the other defenders in the Three Lions squad, with either Jagielka or http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Gary-Cahill-c14439 likely to fill in his spot.
The Evertonian received a belated call up in the national team during the Euro 2012 competition in http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Ukraine-c3032. However, he remained under Terry’s shadow, failing to make a single appearance in the tournament.
All in all, he has capped 14 international caps for England.
Nonetheless, Round thinks Jagielka’s time in the national team had finally come.
He viewed Terry’s retirement as a huge opportunity for the 30-year old, and feels that he possesses all the traits and characteristics to win a permanent place in Roy Hodgson’s team.
“Without doubt it is a chance for Phil to stake a claim, it is a terrific opportunity, it really is,” he told the reporters in an interview.
“He has speed, awareness, and is a very good defender one versus one - which is very important in international football.”
Round, who has also worked as an assistant manager for http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/England-c749, also expressed his bemusement over Terry’s decision.
The Englishman viewed the defender’s departure as a huge blow for Hodgson, and termed him as one of the best defenders that the country had produced.
“I was surprised, like everyone else. I worked with him at England for a couple of years and I found him a terrific captain, whole-hearted and 100% every day, every game. He will be missed because he's a top player and a top defender,” he added.
Hodgson is yet to announce a replacement for the defender, and is expected to do so sometime in the ongoing week.
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