Phil Jageilka has earnt a thoroughly deserved call-up to Fabio Capello’s England squad. After a mixed start to the season, Jags has become one of Everton’s most consistent performers.

The defender said: “I went out with my family for a meal after the game and when I checked my phone afterwards there were a stack of messages waiting.

“The first one I read was from Ossie saying ‘congratulations, you’re in the England squad’.

“Normally when you get something like that from him it means he’s winding you up. But the next one I had was from a secretary at the FA to tell me I had been called up. Naturally, I was over the moon and it’s put the gloss on a great year.”

“It’s a shame that Phil (Neville) and Joleon (Lescott) aren’t involved, but they’ve both spoken to me and wished me all the best. They’re buzzing for me and it should be a fantastic experience.”

Jagielka has firmly established himself in the centre of the Everton defence since joining from Sheffield United last summer, with the consistency of his performances being something that has been admired by the Blues faithful.

He continued: “I suppose I’ve had a decent time of things in the second half of the season but I still didn’t expect it. I suppose it will be a bit nerve racking when I meet up with the squad at first but hopefully it will be fine once I settle down.

“I suppose you have got more of a chance of being picked out if you are part of a top five team that is performing well. We finished the season in style and we’ll all come back on the first day of pre-season raring to go again.

“There are too many people to thank for helping me. The lads kept my spirits up when I wasn’t playing but then there is the Gaffer, Taffy (Andy Holden), the physios, the kit men. It’s just great to be a part of the Everton family.”