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Liverpool Echo
Liverpool Echo
Sport
Charlotte Coates

Phil Jagielka makes Conor Coady point as he addresses England's World Cup squad

Former Everton captain Phil Jagielka insists Conor Coady can play in both a back-four and a back-five as England's defence comes under fire heading into the World Cup.

Coady played a key role for Wolves in a back-five but it was questioned as to whether he could be as effective in a back-four. However, that question was answered after moving to Everton in the summer.

Jagielka has sympathised with England manager Gareth Southgate when it comes to picking from around "60 players" for his squad. But he believes that Coady should definitely be part of his squad for Qatar.

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Jagielka, who won 40 caps for England, told Sky Sports: "We've always said that about Conor but then you look at Everton and he's playing in a back four. He can do both, it's a difficult one. The thing with being England manager is you've got 60 players you can actually pick that would do a fantastic job.

"Other nations haven't got as a big a headache. It's a really tough one and when one aspect isn't performing as we would like, people start asking questions and the north, south divide. Do you support the team in the north or the team down the south?

"I've been part of it myself and there's things when the squad are all settled and used to playing with each other. It doesn't seem like that's the way at the moment so there's going to have to be a few tweaks between now and when the World Cup starts."

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