Source: Daily_Mail
World Cup will be fantastic whether I am there or not, says Phil Jagielka
Everton defender Phil Jagielka is looking forward to a 'fantastic' World Cup - whether he makes Fabio Capello's England squad or not.[LNB]Jagielka is back in contention for a place in the party to travel to South Africa after overcoming a 10-month lay-off to play a part in Everton's strong finish to the season.[LNB]The 27-year-old had just forced his way into the England side when he ruptured an anterior cruciate ligament in a club game against Manchester City last April.[LNB] Heading for the World Cup: Everton's Phil Jagielka (second left) has impressed for the Toffees this season[LNB]He did not return to first-team action until February but has started all of Everton's last 10 games and impressed enough to suggest a trip to South Africa is not out of the question.[LNB]Jagielka said: 'You dream about playing for your country in the World Cup and if I get the opportunity to travel with the squad, especially after the previous 10 months, it would be amazing.[LNB]'If I am lucky enough to go I'll be buzzing - but, if not, I'll stillbe smiling, I'll still be putting my shirt on supporting the boys.[LNB]Lion: Phil Jagielka has highs hopes of donning his England shirt in South Africa[LNB]'There will be plenty of boys to support anyway, as far as club lads go. I won't support them all for too long, but I will at least at the group stages. It will be fantastic.'[LNB]Jagielka underwent surgery in the days immediately following his injury and could only watch as Everton took on Chelsea in the FA Cup final last May.[LNB]His presence was then sorely missed as the Toffees made a poor start to the current campaign, collecting just 15 points from their opening 14 Barclays Premier League games.[LNB]Their form since has been outstanding with just two defeats in 23 games but their late charge for a European place has fallen just short.[LNB]Jagielka admits his rehabilitation was a frustrating period but he does not want to wonder now about what might have been had he not got injured.[LNB]'It's football and I can't complain,' said the former Sheffield United player. I'd had eight or nine fantastic seasons and then the first major injury I had last year ruled me out for some time.[LNB]'If I can keep myself fit now for the remainder of my career I will look back feeling I was one of the lucky ones having not spent that much time on the sidelines.[LNB] Stricken: Jagielka has made great strides since suffering a serious knee injury in April 2009[LNB]'It's not been the best year but all I can do is smile. I have had enough of being sulky and moody.[LNB]'I've not played a lot of football but the last couple of months have flown by.'[LNB]Jagielka admits he still feels some discomfort in the knee but is confident of making a full recovery.[LNB]'It is okay, not amazing,' he said. 'I've been told it will still take a little while for it to feel as good as it should do but that is more than good enough.[LNB]'I'll keep working on it and working on it and hopefully it will get back to the strength it was.'[LNB] Fabio Capello claims Calciopoli scandal opened the door to his England appointmentBrown and Lescott set to miss out as Capello prepares England contendersStoke 0 Everton 0: Toffees feeling Blue over Europe but Neville is upbeatJagielka confident of securing place in Capello's squad for the World CupEVERTON FC
