Everton Football Club News

• Nickname:Toffees
• Founded:1878
• Manager:David Moyes

• Ground:Goodison Park
• Capacity:42,440

Moyes praises defensive duo

04 Feb 2009 - 08:47:27

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Everton boss David Moyes has backed central defensive pair Joleon Lescott and Phil Jagielka for England call-ups in the near future.

Lescott already has six international caps to his name, with Moyes believing that Jagielka is also ready to add to his single substitute appearance for England to date.

He told reporters: "I have got two world-class centre-halves. They are playing out of their skins.

"I look around the country and Nemanja Vidic and Rio Ferdinand are the best partnership. But after that, I think our two are the best pairing.

"They have been consistent, reliable and they are growing in confidence as well.

"If they get chosen (for England) they will do everything they can. International football is different, but they are doing very well for Everton."

Lescott, 26, moved to Goodison Park from Wolves in the summer of 2006 and has scored 16 goals in 125 appearances for the Merseysiders.

Twenty-six-year-old Jagielka joined Everton a year after Lescott and has fitted in well in defence after making his name as a midfielder with Sheffield United.