Everton boss David Moyes tips Jack Rodwell to follow likes of Phil Jones & Daniel Sturridge by cementing place in England squad ahead of Euro 2012

Toffees boss has backed the midfielder to join the ranks of talented youngsters to have been given a chance under Fabio Capello, but says he is not ready to play centre-half yet

13 Dec 2011 12:14:00

By Chris Butterworth JR

More On :  England, Everton, David Moyes, Jack Rodwell
England vs Spain - Jordi Alba, Jack Rodwell, Sergio Ramos
Bongarts

Everton manager David Moyes has backed Jack Rodwell to make the England squad for Euro 2012.

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The 20-year-old was impressive in both games against Spain and Sweden last month after Fabio Capello decided to give some of the emerging talents some invaluable experience.

The Goodison Park boss believes Phil Jones, Chris Smalling, Daniel Sturridge and Danny Welbeck will all join Rodwell on the plane to the Ukraine and Poland in June.

The Scot told the Daily Express: “Jack might have a good chance of making the squad because he has got what Germany went into the World Cup with.

"They had a bit of the unknown - players who had done OK in their country, but had legs, enthusiasm and a hunger for the game. They weren't trapped in the mindset, 'Are we in the right hotel? Are we training at the right facility?' They weren't wrapped up in that. For them, it was just the excitement of being involved in a major tournament.

"There is a bit where England might be thinking in that direction as well. There's Welbeck, Sturridge, Jones and Chris Smalling. Jack is part of that group too."

When Rodwell first broke into Everton’s first team, it was thought that he would eventually become a centre-back in the mould of Rio Ferdinand, but Moyes believes he is more effective in midfield.

He added: “People have said many times that Jack is going to be a centre-half, but not at the moment.

"He has great ability to score, and he should have found the net against Sweden. He has energy and athleticism, which allow him to get into the box and join in.

"A lot of teams play with one striker - and England might well do the same - so you need your midfield players to get up and get beyond the ball. Jack would give you that.

"He has a great shot with both feet and he can head the ball. So he has got a bit of something different for you all of the time."


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