Lescott earns Capello call up

But Jags misses out despite solid performances
By Alex Barton 21/03/08

Fabio Capello named his provisional 30 man squad this week, and to nobody's surprise it included Everton's Joleon Lescott.

Lescott has been in brilliant form this season, having played in every Everton match this campaign.

Since his move from Wolves back in 2005, Lescott has been employed in a number of positions by Blues boss David Moyes, including left back, where he has played most of the present season. A centre back by nature, Lescott has adapated well to the change of position, and whilst retaining his defensive stature, has moulded into a more attacking, creative player going forward, using his strength and power to bustle past players and leave them in his wake.

It is yet to be seen whether Lescott will be selected for the final 23 man squad, but if Capello sticks to his theory that players should be playing regularly to play for the national side, the selection of Lescott should be a no brainer.

More to the surprise of all Everton fans, Phil Jagilka has not been named in Capello's 30 man squad. He too has been in superb form for Everton this season since his move from Sheffield United. After a shaky start playin in midfield, Jagielka has been moved to centre back, and after
settling into his favourite position, has been in magnificent form.

Call ups for the likes of David Wheater of Middlesbrough are likely to be questioned, considering that a player with more experience and possibly a better defensive mindset has been left out. Lets hope that "Jags" can continue his impressive form, and make it into the next England squad.

Here's a list of the full, provisional 30 man squad.

Goalkeepers: James (Portsmouth), Carson (Aston Villa), Kirkland (Wigan)
Defenders: Bridge (Chelsea), A Cole (Chelsea), Johnson (Portsmouth), Terry (Chelsea), Brown (Man Utd), Lescott (Everton), Ferdinand (Man Utd), Wheater (Middlesbrough), Woodgate (Tottenham), Upson (West Ham)
Midfielders: Barry (Aston Villa), Young (Aston Villa), Bentley (Blackburn), J Cole (Chelsea), Lampard (Chelsea), Wright-Phillips (Chelsea), Beckham (Los Angeles Galaxy), Gerrard (Liverpool), Hargreaves (Man Utd), Downing (Middlesbrough), Jenas (Tottenham)
Forwards: Walcott (Arsenal), Agbonlahor (Aston Villa), Crouch (Liverpool), Rooney (Man Utd), Owen (Newcastle), Defoe (Portsmouth).