Euro envy spurs on Jagielka

Not only has being involved in the England squad helped to boost Phil Jagielka's confidence, but it has also helped give him a spur of inspiration.

Both Phil Jagielka and Leighton Baines were majorly involved in Roy Hodgson's last England squad.

The duo both got to represent their country following injuries to Chelsea's Ashley Cole and John Terry.

They both also took their chances and Jags believes it's helped boost his confidence after not performing to his best over the past season.

But not only has it boosted his confidence, it's also boosted the 30-year-old central defenders drive to get Everton back into the mix for European football.

"You hear the Man City boys talking about how their family and friends were going over to watch them against Real, and you do get envious of the stadiums they`ll be playing in and the big games but it only makes you want to perform better.' Jags told the Echo.

The chase for Champions League football, but be a little bit out of reach when looking at the likes of big spending Manchester City, Manchester United, Chelsea, Arsenal and Spurs, but Everton proved before that they can upset the odds and if not a Europa League adventure would also be beneficial, even if a little unfashionable.

He continued: "We`ve been out of Europe for a while now and while the lads say it does make the season a lot longer and you`re playing so many more games, on the same token I`ve had some great adventures away and memorable nights in Nuremburg, Fiorentina and all these different stadiums with great atmospheres.

"Sporting Lisbon stood out for me too, playing at that great ground after so long out injured. A lot of people aren`t sure about the Europa League because the clubs don`t make that much money and it does make it a longer season, but if you ask a lot of fans they`d 100% want them, and it`s frustrating for us that we`ve missed out again last season.

"There have been a few 'nearly` seasons lately but as a team we`ve had a good start this time."

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