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Everton defender Phil Jagielka: Premier League race for fourth place is really close
27-year-old hopes to impress Capello, but isn't expecting a call-up...
2 Apr 2010 09:28:00
By Adithya Ananth
Everton defender Phil Jagielka insists that the race for fourth place in the Premier League is closer than it has been in a long time.
The former Sheffield United player believes the Toffees could have been in with a shout at finishing in the top four and attaining Champions League football next term, if the squad had not been riddled with injuries earlier in the season.
At the moment, Tottenham Hotspur, Manchester City, Liverpool and Aston Villa are fighting to finish in the coveted fourth spot, while Manchester United, Chelsea and Arsenal are battling to be crowned the champions of England.
"It is nice to see so many teams in the European hunt this season but at the same time it is quite frustrating," Jagielka told EvertonTV.
"This season more than any other those positions have been up for grabs and unfortunately because of injuries we haven't been able to challenge for them.
"It is nice to see this year that the title race is a three-horse race and maybe even a six-horse race for that final Champions League place.
"Hopefully it will be similar next season and we can start a little bit brighter in order to put the cat among the pigeons."
England boss Fabio Capello has been hit with problems concerning his defence, and Jagielka's name has cropped up on occasion in relation to a potential call-up to the national squad.
"I am not expecting to be in the squad but if something does happen and I end up being in it then of course I will be delighted," he said.
"If I play most games between now and the end of the season then I have a better chance."
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The former Sheffield United player believes the Toffees could have been in with a shout at finishing in the top four and attaining Champions League football next term, if the squad had not been riddled with injuries earlier in the season.
At the moment, Tottenham Hotspur, Manchester City, Liverpool and Aston Villa are fighting to finish in the coveted fourth spot, while Manchester United, Chelsea and Arsenal are battling to be crowned the champions of England.
"It is nice to see so many teams in the European hunt this season but at the same time it is quite frustrating," Jagielka told EvertonTV.
"This season more than any other those positions have been up for grabs and unfortunately because of injuries we haven't been able to challenge for them.
"It is nice to see this year that the title race is a three-horse race and maybe even a six-horse race for that final Champions League place.
"Hopefully it will be similar next season and we can start a little bit brighter in order to put the cat among the pigeons."
England boss Fabio Capello has been hit with problems concerning his defence, and Jagielka's name has cropped up on occasion in relation to a potential call-up to the national squad.
"I am not expecting to be in the squad but if something does happen and I end up being in it then of course I will be delighted," he said.
"If I play most games between now and the end of the season then I have a better chance."
Become a fan of Goal.com UK's Facebook fan page for all the latest news and insight into everything related to the beautiful game!
| Sign up with 188BET for a FREE bet up to £25 – Great Prices, Every Game |
|
| Open an account with Sportingbet today and get up to £50 in free bets! |
|
| Sign up with William Hill for a free bet up to £25 |
|
| Sign up with bet365 for a free bet up to £200 |
|
| Sign up with Paddy Power - Bet £10, Get £20! |
|
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