Joleon Lescott fighting for first England start

Oct 16 2007 by Nick Smith, Liverpool Daily Post

JOLEON LESCOTT is fighting his way into contention to make his first start for England in Moscow tomorrow.

The Everton defender was played at left-back in a practice game yesterday as England manager Steve McClaren weighed up his options for the Euro 2008 Group E qualifier against Russia.

Lescott won his first cap in the 3-0 victory over Estonia at Wembley on Saturday when he came on as a substitute at half-time to play at centre-back in place of Rio Ferdinand.

But he could be a surprise replacement on the left side of defence for Ashley Cole, who also went off injured with an ankle injury at Wembley and misses tomorrow’s game.

McClaren called Luke Young into the squad to replace Cole but as the Middlesbrough man is normally a right-back, that leaves the battle for the left-back slot between Reading’s Nicky Shorey, Lescott and his Everton team-mate Phil Neville.

It was Lescott who was given the chance to acclimatise to that role yesterday at the Blessed Thomas Holford Catholic College in Altrincham, where England were getting used to the ‘field turf’ they will play on at the Luzhniki Stadium.

It was a strong indication that Lescott will edge ahead of Neville in tomorrow’s team – but the Goodison captain won’t be bemoaning the fact that he might miss out on his own landmark of a 60th cap.

“I love playing for my country and everyone wants to be involved in these occasions but if Joleon was selected ahead of me, I would be absolutely made up for him,” said Neville.

“He is improving all the time and it wouldn’t surprise me if Steve McClaren is thinking of starting with him against Russia. It’s a massive game but I’ve got no doubt that Joleon would pass the test.

“He is going to win a lot of caps and is going to become an increasingly influential player for Everton.”

Neville, who also came on as a sub against Estonia, was chuffed to see Lescott make his debut and complete a remarkable rise to the top.

The 25-year-old hadn’t even played top flight football 14 months ago after leaving Wolves for Goodison, but impressed in his first season in the Premiership and has also enjoyed a remarkable start to the current campaign, leading Everton’s scoring charts with five goals.

“You get your rewards for hard work and I was absolutely delighted for Joleon when he came on,” said Neville.

“He’s been terrific for us ever since he came here and fully deserves to be in the England squad.

“He’s quick, strong and powerful – a proper athlete.

“He’s got great talent and composure and basically he has every attribute you want going into a big game. He certainly wouldn’t let anyone down if he is selected.”

England will secure qualification for Euro 2008 if they win tomorrow, thus avoiding a potential deciding showdown at home to current group leaders Croatia next month.

And captain John Terry is on course to figure after originally being a major doubt following the knee injury he sustained in training last week, which forced him to sit out Saturday’s win.

Terry was able to train in Altrincham yesterday and England’s medical staff gave him the green light to fly out of Manchester with his team-mates.

A spokesman explained: “John trained today and came through the session with no problems.

“He will continue to be monitored by the England medical staff and assessed for any reaction.”