Clean Sheet For Jags In 4-0 Win

Friday 3rd September 2010 19:19 by Matthew Gamble

Phil Jagielka starts against Bulgaria on Friday night.

Phil Jagielka helped England keep a clean sheet as the Three Lions beat Bulgaria 4-0.

Fabio Capello's side started their Euro 2012 campaign in style at Wembley, where Jermain Defoe was the hat-trick hero.

But there were mixed fortunes around Europe as several other Blues took to the field for their respective nations.

As widely expected, Jagielka lined up in central defence in the absence of John Terry and Rio Ferdinand, and looked tidy and solid throughout.

Defoe lashed England ahead inside three minutes and the home side remained in control, with the same player doubling the lead just after the hour. Adam Johnson struck late on before Defoe made it four with his hat-trick goal.

Also on Friday, Diniyar Bilyaletdinov helped Russia to a routine 2-0 win over Andorra but there was bad news for two other Everton stars.

Fellaini challenges Schweingsteiger

Marouane Fellaini was handed a start for Belgium's Euro 2012 qualifying clash at home to Germany, playing the full 90 minutes in Brussels but losing out to a Miroslav Klose strike.

On his return to international football, Louis Saha was a substitute for France as they began their campaign at home to Belarus, the striker emerging from the bench with 20 minutes to go before going off injured just ten minutes later with a right knee problem. The French went on to concede a late goal in losing 1-0 at home.

On a happier note, Jan Mucha was named in goal for Slovakia's home qualifier with Macedonia and helped keep a clean sheet, ensuring Filip Holosko's injury time goal was enough for victory.

Jan Mucha lines up before Slovakia beat Macedonia

And Tim Cahill was in friendly action, starting Australia's low-key 0-0 draw with Switzerland.

Some of Everton's young stars were also on duty, with Seamus Coleman involved in the Republic of Ireland Under-21s' 1-0 defeat in Switzerland.

Meanwhile, Joao Silva made a late appearance from the bench as Portugal's Under-21 side lost 1-0 to England.

Sarah HowardWell Done Lads, Hope U are fit & injury free for the United game. Jags was the best defender on the pitch (Hope Dawson is not out too long, him & Jags are the two best Centre-Backs in the country. Hope Rodders is alright and get well soon Louis Saha (he must get frustrated with his troublesome knee).

Saturday 4th September 17:37 Report Comment

Login to Reply
View Profile
View on Fan Map
Reply

james obrienwell done jags. solid as usual. still dont think we have seen the best of him since the bad injury yet but with more games under his belt im sure he will reach them levels again! I think fellaini again like jags just needs games to get his match fitness up to scratch. yes it was a stupid mistake to give the ball away in the villa game like he did and he looked a bit clumsy at times but we all know his class and am sure he will rediscover the form we all know he can produce!! lets not forget we are playing good football and out passing teams... the goals will come im sure! come on you blues!!

Saturday 4th September 12:36 Report Comment

Login to Reply
View Profile
View on Fan Map
Reply

Andy CorrieWell done Jags! Shame about Felli, he didn't give the ball away right on the edge of 18 yard box again did he?

Saturday 4th September 11:20 Report Comment

Login to Reply
View Profile
View on Fan Map
Reply

lee cookI dont get the "BLUE SHIRT ONLY" THING..... IDIOTS. COME ON EVERTON AND ENGLAND. ARE YOU A FOOTBALL FAN OR SOME KIND OF MENTALIST??

Saturday 4th September 09:46 Report Comment

Cason TangNow Terry should look out for the No. 6 shirt challenge. Jag is faster than him. Jag is better than Terry in the air. Jag can also attack if needed. Bad news for Saha, now he may need more leeches for his knee. But it may not be too bad for Everton as Yak will now have the chance to show he can still do the job, and I do believe he can be 20+ scorer that he was before injury. Go Blues! Go Yak!!!

Saturday 4th September 09:44 Report Comment

Login to Reply
View Profile
View on Fan Map
Reply

Tom Mc AndrewDave Hallett Saha is in a blue shirt!

Saturday 4th September 08:37 Report Comment

Milin Chandrawell jagss done his bit for me im not holding any grudge against bcuz i was a bit angry ......we were thinkin of selling yak well he had an injury and scored! and what of jags?own goal(astonvilla previous season)..so he's cleared for me now and the transfer window is closed ....

Saturday 4th September 06:22 Report Comment

Ray WeirSo now we are going to sell our youth mainly james vaughan and keep the old crocks mainly saha who came off injured for france didnt last 20 minutes

Saturday 4th September 00:24 Report Comment

brennan finneganNever thought id be going so much for an England team However seeing my favourite Everton playing so well with a man of the match performance really pleased me Do the same against Mut Jags COYBs

Saturday 4th September 00:11 Report Comment