Phil Jagielka would take the opportunity of helping England win the World Cup but would also see the positives in taking a break on the sidelines. The Everton defender, who has won three caps for his country, missed the first half of the season due to a knee injury sustained 12 months ago.

"I'm not sure what's going to go on this closed season, although I think I'm in a win-win situation - with one a bit more win than the other," he told the club's official website.

"If I'm on a plane to South Africa it will be amazing, if not then it will be a nice little break for me.

"I've spoken to the (Everton) physio and we've had a laugh and a joke about it, and it's hard to make a decision.

"But as far as I'm concerned I'm available to go this summer. I'm sure the physio, with his Everton head on, will not want me to go. "But for England and for me, he'll be delighted if I get the chance to board the plane.

"If I did get called up I couldn't turn it down because I don't know if the chance would ever come up again.

"I've always played with my heart rather than my head, and I'll continue to do so if the physio lets me."