Jagielka to start for England as Terry pulls out of France friendly
Published:Phil Jagielka is certain to start once again for England in the friendly against France as John Terry has pulled out of the squad with injury.
Jagilka has impressed for England in his three appearances since August and manager Fabio Capello would have had a tough decision on who to leave out for the friendly between him, Terry and Rio Ferdinand.
However, Terry has made the decision much easier and is one of three players to remove themselves from the squad because of injury problems.
Chelsea teammate and fellow defender Ashley Cole will not feature despite playing 90 minutes in his club’s home defeat to Sunderland, while Aston Villa’ Gabby Agbonlahor had to be replaced in their draw with Manchester United because of ongoing injury troubles.
Gary Cahill, Stephen Warnock and Carlton Cole have been added to the squad by Capello and he must now work out a way of masterminding a win with his depleted squad over Laurent Blanc’s France.
England are 11/10 to beat France and Capello can at least call on an experienced backbone to his team.
Jagielka and Ferdinand will play in defence, while Gareth Barry and Steven Gerrard have been regulars in the midfield for many years and will know what to expect from the French.
Meanwhile, the youth and exuberance of the likes of Adam Johnson and Jack Wilshere can provide some added spark, while Kieran Gibbs can mirror Ashley Cole in terms of foraging attacking runs from full back.
The one weakness is likely to be who will score the goals as Andy Carroll and Jay Bothroyd will be making their first appearances, while Peter Crouch and Carlton Cole are not known for their prolific nature in front of goal for their clubs.
France are 13/5 to beat England as they have done in three of the last four meetings. See the complete England vs France match betting odds market.
