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Jagielka could be England casualty

Everton defenders mistake could prove costly to long term international future

Matthias Hangst

Rumours from within the England camp are that Phil Jagielka could be one of the high profile casualties when European qualifying rolls around.

The Telegraph's Matt Law is reporting that the defender faces a battle to keep his England place after a series of perceived errors in Brazil. He was a part of Roy Hodgson's squad for their dismal World Cup in South America, playing in the defeats to Italy and Uruguay.

Hodgson is apparently keen to keep the bulk of his World Cup squad together for the Euro 2016 qualifiers, but Jagielka could be one of the casualties. He lost Luis Suárez for Uruguay's first goal and has been blamed for the second as well.

Jagielka turns 32 in August, and Hodgson realises the centre of defence is an area that must be addressed. He is keen to see Chris Smalling or Phil Jones come into the position, despite neither looking up to the standard at club or international level.

However, Jagielka's club mate John Stones is likely to be given the chance to fully integrate himself into the squad after travelling with them to Miami. The young defender is highly rated at Goodison Park and within the England set up, and could be set to feature when the Euro qualifiers start against Switzerland on the 8th September.

Personally, I think Jagielka is being made an easy scapegoat for this World Cup. While he did lose Suárez for the first goal, he was outdone by an excellent Cavani pass while the second was a result of Gerrard's mistake and Cahill's lack of covering.

What do you think of this; does Jagielka deserve to lose his England place? Vote and comment below.