Everton defender Phil Jagielka is delighted with his early season form.

His return to top form was rewarded when he got the nod ahead of Chelsea's Gary Cahill for the Three Lions in midweek - and the 30-year-old insists he is feeling good.

Jagielka told evertonfc.com: "We're only four or five games into the season but I needed a good start. You set yourself high standards and I've maybe not reached them as consistently as I'd like in the last season or so.

"It was a boost of confidence to get the nod for England. I don't think there is much to choose between me and Gaz (Cahill). We are good friends, we mess about at table tennis and things like that.

"It's hard knowing it's one from two, but we got told the day before so that gave us a chance to prepare. But I know if one of the first-choice centre-backs is injured for the next time, I'm not automatically straight in. Gaz has got as good a chance of playing."