Everton defender Phil Jagielka has spoken of his relief at having his first England cap confirmed.

The former Sheffield United man played 45 minutes of England’s 3-0 victory over Trinidad & Tobago in Port of Spain last weekend.

But reports on Thursday suggested there was a danger the match could be stricken from the record books by FIFA as England made seven substitutions in the contest.

Under standard FIFA rules only six substitutes are permitted in friendly matches.

However, England successfully argued they had received special dispensation to make an additional substitution in the match and FIFA have subsequently confirmed the game will be allowed to remain a full international.

It means Jagielka, along with Manchester City’s Joe Hart, West Ham’s Dean Ashton and Blackburn’s Stephen Warnock will not be denied their first England caps.

Jagielka told evertonfc.com: “It has been a bit of a rollercoaster in the last couple of weeks. I was buzzing about getting my first cap and playing half the game but it was strange this morning when I woke up and heard on the radio that FIFA weren’t happy.

“I would have been gutted if the game had been wiped out of the record books and I had been denied my first international cap.”

Jagielka produced a typically composed performance in the contest, coming on as a second half substitute.

The defender now wants more of the same.

He added: “It was great to be involved and I want more of it. I would love to go on and get a full international cap.

“I haven’t actually received my cap yet - but I have one from last year when I played in the ‘B’ international and a coulpe of Under-21 caps as well, so I am really excited about adding a senior cap to the collection.

“The trip was a great experience and although it was a long time away at the end of a long season it was well worth it. I was a bit nervous to begin with, but there were quite a few players in the same boat which made it easier.”