Phil Jagielka removed from England squad with injury

Everton center-back Phil Jagielka has departed from the England camp with a thigh strain, but is expected to be fit for his club’s match against Manchester City on October 15.

Everton’s captain was called into the English squad for the Three Lions’ upcoming World Cup Qualifiers against Malta and Slovenia, but will now be returning to Everton instead. The 34-year old did not participate in England’ practice on Tuesday, so it seems safe to assume that the injury was picked up in the Toffees’ 1-1 draw against Crystal Palace.

With Sam Allardyce out and England facing weak competition, these international fixtures could have represented an opportunity for Jagielka to work his way back into a more prominent role for his country. Jagielka’s last international appearance came in a March friendly against the Netherlands. He played 20 minutes in that 1-1 draw.

Instead, he’ll return to Everton and begin preparing for the Toffees’ big away match against Manchester City on October 15.

Jagielka has played every minute of Premier-League football for Everton so far this season. His partnership with Ashley Williams has helped make the Toffees the second-best defensive club in the league through seven games, having given up only five goals.

While it is sad that Jagielka won’t get a chance to make his national-team case to Gareth Southgate, particularly given the defender’s good form, Evertonians will surely be breathing a sigh of relief that it appears Jagielka will be ready for the club’s upcoming match against the league’s top side.