Phil Jagielka

Philip Nikodem "Phil" Jagielka (born August 17 1982 in Manchester, England) is an England soccer who plays for Everton F.C] in the English Premier League. Jagielka is known for his versatility, being able to play as a midfielder, Defender (football), and in emergencies has acted as goalkeeper (football).

Jagielka started his career with Sheffield United F.C.. Jagielka joined current team Everton F.C. in 2007 for a fee of £4m.

Jagielka is a former England national under-21 football team international, being capped six times and scored 1 goal for the team. He has also gained recognition with the England B national football team team, appearing once for them.

Career

Club

Jagielka came through the youth ranks at Sheffield United F.C. and the Youth Academy at Everton F.C.. He made his debut for Sheffield United on May 5 2000 against Swindon Town F.C. in the final Football League Championship match of the 1999-2000 in English football season whilst still a trainee. He was rewarded with a professional contract the following day. He signed a three-year deal with United in January 2001.

He establishd himself with the United first-team in the 2002-03 in English football season. Jagielka said we wanted revenge against Sheffield Wednesday F.C. for the derby in January 2003, after losing his first Steel City derby 2-0. Leeds United A.F.C. had been linked with a £6m bid for Jagielka and United teammate Michael Brown (footballer), but Sheffield United said they would resist any bids made. Jagielka won his appeal against a red card he received playing against Preston North End F.C. in August 2004, which meant he wouldn't have to serve a one-match ban.

Jagielka stated in April 2005 he was happy to stay at United, despite there being Premier League clubs interested in signing him. United manager Neil Warnock warned West Ham United F.C. in June 2005 that Jagielka would not be sold. Wigan Athletic F.C. made a £4m bid for Jagielka in July 2005, but United upped their price after the bid was made. By November, Jagielka had been linked with a £4m move to Bolton Wanderers F.C., but United manager Neil Warnock said three had been no contact from Bolton.

Jagielka signed a new three-year deal with United in August 2006. Having recently played as team captain in Chris Morgan (footballer)'s absence, Jagielka gave United their first Premiership victory since April 1994 when he hit a 91st minute half-volley against Middlesbrough F.C. for a 2-1 win in September 2006. United chairman Kevin McCabe (Sheffield United) admitted that Jagielka could be sold if the price was high enough. In a home match against Arsenal F.C. on 30 December, 2006, Jagielka was forced to play in for the final half-hour with his team 1-0 up, due to a thigh injury to starting goalkeeper Paddy Kenny. He kept through the last thirty-four minutes and made a late save from Robin van Persie to preserve the 1-0 victory. By the end of the 2006-07 season, he had made 133 consecutive league appearances for United, which included him played every minute of the 2006-07 in English football season.

By later May, Jagielka had been linked with moves away from United and goalkeeper Paddy Kenny said he believed it was time Jagielka moved on. New United boss Bryan Robson urged Jagielka to wait for the outcome of the clubs relegation arbitration hearing before deciding to leave the club. Jagielka eventually signed for Everton F.C. for £4 million on 4 July 2007. Jagielka made his Home debut at Goodison Park on 31 July 2007 as a second half substitute against SV Werder Bremen, replacing Joseph Yobo in Central Defence.

International

Jagielka is a former member of the England national under-21 football team team and scored in a 2-0 victory over Slovakia national under-21 football team at the Stadium of Light in June 2003.

On the 10 May 2007 Jagielka was named in the England squad for the first time 'B' international against Albania. Starting on the bench, he replaced future Everton F.C. team mate, Phil Neville at right back at the beginning of the second half.

Jagielka is also eligible to play for Poland, as it is the native country of his grandparents. He was also named in the 2006 PFA Championship Team of the Year.

When promotion to the FA Premier League was confirmed on Saturday, April 15, 2006, it was a double celebration for the Jagielka family with older brother Stephen Jagielka celebrating promotion to the Football League with Accrington Stanley F.C.. Steve currently plays for AFC Telford United.