Howard hails centre-backs

Everton goalkeeper Tim Howard believes that Phil Jagielka and Joleon Lescott both deserved to be called-up to the England squad. Jagielka was handed a spot in the senior squad for Wednesday's friendly with Spain but fellow Everton centre back Lescott was left out.But the American goalkeeper hailed both of them, saying their teamwork in defence makes his job easier."The centre-backs are stunning," Howard said."Jagielka and Lescott are fantastic, they are both real Everton-style defenders and they have my respect.Whole package"They don't take any nonsense, they are strong and they put their bodies in front of the ball and they are selfless."They have the whole package and together they think alike and that is great for me. They concede so few chances and all I do is direct traffic from the back."They both deserve to be in the England squad, but I am so pleased for Phil. His call-up is really deserved. It is a shame that Joleon didn't make it this time but he will in the future."Everton have lost only three of their last 20 matches in all competitions and sit in a solid sixth place in the Premier League table. They will face Aston Villa in the fifth round of the FA Cup on Sunday.

Source: SKY_Sports