Lescott tipped to shine for England

Sep 4 2007 by Ian Doyle, Liverpool Daily Post

Joleon Lescott celebrates (200)

DAVID MOYES is confident Joleon Lescott “won’t let anyone down” after the Everton defender earned his first call-up to the England senior squad yesterday.

England coach Steve McClaren has turned to Lescott after injury ruled Sol Campbell out of the forthcoming crucial Euro 2008 qualifying double header against Israel and Russia.

It completes the 24-year-old’s progression through the international ranks, having previously been capped at under-18, under-20 and under-21 level for his country.

Lescott also played 17 minutes as a late substitute for England B in their win over Albania at Turf Moor in May. And Everton manager Moyes believes the player deserves the call-up following his outstanding form since moving to Goodison from Coca-Cola Championship side Wolverhampton Wanderers in the summer of 2006.

“He has done superbly since he came here, and really stepped up to the mark,” said Moyes. “We knew he was a good player, but he adapted to the Premier League very quickly and the fact he can play centre-back or left-back gives us plenty of options as well.

“He has taken the step up in his stride and never really looked out of place at this level, so it doesn’t surprise me that he has got his chance with England, and I am certain he won’t look out of place there. He certainly won’t let anyone down.”

Lescott’s opportunity has arisen with McClaren facing a shortage of options in the centre of defence.

Besides Campbell’s absence, Liverpool’s Jamie Carragher has retired from international football, Tottenham Hotspur captain Ledley King is injured and Middlesbrough defender Jonathan Woodgate was not considered after only just returning to action from injury.

Explaining his decision to call up Lescott, England coach McClaren told www.thefa.com: “Joleon has been looking very solid for Everton this season, and has also scored a couple of goals. He is big and strong and is a threat at set-pieces as well.

“As a defender he makes life very difficult for strikers. His versatility also means he is a good option as he can play in the middle of the defence or at full-back.

“He is very capable of making the step up to the full team.”

The call-up caps a good few days for Lescott, who scored a late winner for Everton in their 2-1 win at Bolton Wanderers on Saturday.

And the defender said: “You don’t often score a last-minute winner on the Saturday and then get an England call-up on the Monday!

“My phone was on silent in the morning and when I noticed missed calls from various people at the club I thought perhaps I’d missed training! But I knew I hadn’t got my days mixed up and obviously I was delighted to get the call-up.

“I have been pleased with my form for Everton and that will always be my main concern. If anything follows from that then it’s a bonus.

“Every player wants to represent his country and I’m no different. I’m really looking forward to meeting up with the rest of the squad and we’ll just see what happens.”

Lescott joins Everton team-mates Andrew Johnson and Phil Neville in the squad. He added: “It will help to have Phil and AJ around but obviously I know most of the guys anyway from playing against them in the Premier League.”