Everton captain Phil Neville says teammate Joleon Lescott deserves his England recognition this season.

Lescott, 25, arrived on the scene last month and according to Neville he has grown in stature despite the defeat by Russia which leaves England's qualification destiny out of their hands.

"That game really opened his eyes to the fact that he can play at the top level, " said the Everton captain, who is also in the national squad.

"Hopefully a few of the younger lads will get a chance against Austria and he will be one of them.

"The thing that impresses me most is that Joleon works so hard, keeps his feet on the ground and is dedicated.

"He is at a club now that is allowing him to progress as a centre-half and a left-back."

Everton have made a good start to the Premier League season. Not only that, they have progressed in both the UEFA Cup and Carling Cup.

Neville said: "Joleon has been outstanding and our best player by a country mile.

"He is getting stronger, fitter and better in every game he plays."