Time for the future: Three England players who should make way for the next generation

Phil Jagielka

Phil Jagielka of England in action during the 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil Group D match between England and Italy at Arena Amazonia on June 14, 2014 in Manaus, Brazil.

Everton’s defender is regarded as reliable and solid, but he has often looked out of his depth for England. Jagielka has performed admirably in the Premier League for a number of years but was handed a place in the squad due to a dearth of options and the regular football that he has enjoyed under Robert Martinez.

At 31 years of age, the centre-back is not going to get any better. In Gary Cahill, three years his junior, England has a central defender in his peak that is capable of marshalling the back line for a number of years. Partnerships are key in defence and Jagielka should not be the man chosen to be fielded alongside the Chelsea man.

Jagielka has been a stop gap at best and no-one can question his commitment, but he was arguably at fault for both of Uruguay’s goals due to poor positioning and is not worthy of another call-up. A surprise inclusion on the standby list, John Stones could well be snapping at his heels for a place in the Toffees side before long.

Question marks remain over the likes of Phil Jones and Chris Smalling but providing them with the experience Jagielka lacked during his younger years will help them to become better players.