World Cup

[monks data]

World Cup | Qualifiers

Oct 17, 2012 at 4pm UK

Poland
1-1
England

Phil Jagielka eyes John Terry's place in England's defence

By Subhankar Mondal, Reporter

Published: October 15 2012 | 02:02

Last updated: October 15 2012 | 02:08

Phil Jagielka says that he has got a better chance of playing regularly for England now that defender John Terry has retired from international football.

Phil Jagielka believes that John Terry's retirement from international football has given him a better chance of playing regularly for England.

The 30-year-old started for the Three Lions in their
5-0 victory over San Marino in a 2014 World Cup qualifier at Wembley on Friday.

"You'll have to see who takes the mantle of leading the back four, I'll chuck my name in the hat," he said.

"John's decided to retire now and there's a few of us competing for the two spots available.

"You've got Gary Cahill, who had a great game against San Marino going forward, and Joleon Lescott, who had a fantastic Euros, plus the other lads coming into the squad like Ryan Shawcross. It's going to keep us on our toes."

Jagielka added that the absence of Terry and Rio Ferdinand from the team has increased competition among the other central defenders.

"John and Rio [Ferdinand] played together for England forever, didn't they?" he said. "They had a great partnership and there were a couple of others behind them waiting for a game.

"So you are down a long list of players trying to get your chance but time passes and people have good form, bad form and you get your opportunities."

England are in Warsaw for their fourth qualifier against Poland on Tuesday.