Jagielka hopeful of call-up

A year ago Jagielka was regarded as a potential regular for England given his performances at centre-back for Everton.

But towards the end of last season the 27-year-old ruptured his anterior cruciate ligament, and despite a successful operation, he required further surgery in November when he suffered a small cartilage tear.

After exactly 10 months on the sidelines, the former Sheffield United defender finally returned to action in February, and has since started and played the full 90 minutes of Everton's last nine matches, including Sunday's 2-1 win at home to Fulham.

It has prompted speculation Jagielka will be in the England squad as back-up to Rio Ferdinand and John Terry in South Africa.

If not, Jagielka knows he can look forward to putting his feet up to complete his rehabilitation before throwing himself into next season.

"I'm not sure what's going to go on this closed season, although I think I'm in a win-win situation – with one a bit more win than the other," said Jagielka.

"If I'm on a plane to South Africa it will be amazing, if not then it will be a nice little break for me.

"I've spoken to the (Everton) physio and we've had a laugh and a joke about it, and it's hard to make a decision.

"But as far as I'm concerned I'm available to go this summer. I'm sure the physio, with his Everton head on, will not want me to go. But for England and for me, he'll be delighted if I get the chance to board the plane.

"If I did get called up I couldn't turn it down because I don't know if the chance would ever come up again. I've always played with my heart rather than my head, and I'll continue to do so if the physio lets me."