February 24th, 2010 by Adam Davies

Phil Jagielka has been included in the Everton squad for their game against Sporting on Thursday February 25th 2010. The versatile defender, one of Everton manager David Moyes’ most inspired signings, had been out of action with a knee injury for ten months. He will now look to play well enough for Everton to break into the England squad in time for the World Cup in South Africa this summer.

Jagielka’s return to fitness could not have been better timed, as with Sylvain Distin’s European suspension and Tony Hibbert’s injury he could be needed for defensive cover. In a similar vein to Aston Villa’s James Milner, it is Jagielka’s ability to play in a number of positions effectively that could prove useful for both Everton and England. Marouane Fellaini, Everton’s Belgian defensive midfield star, is now out for the season, while Tim Cahill will not recover from his calf injury in time to play Sporting.

Everton’s form over the last eight games is equal to that of Chelsea, and 19 points from a possible 24 is title-winning form. Could Everton maintain their charge and overtake Aston Villa, Liverpool, Manchester City and Tottenham to finish fourth, as they did in 2005?

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