Everton defender Phil Jagielka says Liverpool skipper Steven Gerrard can be a deep-lying playmaker for England.

Jagielka is a huge fan of Juventus superstar Andrea Pirlo and watched as the Italian bedazzled England at Euro 2012.

He said: "There's tough competition for places in pretty much all positions. There isn't anyone who has it nailed down, apart from possibly Stevie.

"But it's a big year for him as well. He's getting that bit older and I see him changing his game for England a bit.

"He's still got the range of passing. Pirlo doesn't move around much but still gets in and makes things happen.

"If Stevie does that and doesn't run around as much - with his range of passing - that could make us stronger."