Everton boss David Moyes believes Phil Jagielka fully deserves his belated call-up to the England squad for Euro 2012.
Jagielka was originally placed on Roy Hodgson's stand-by list after missing out in the new England manager's 23-man squad.
However, the Toffees defender has been drafted into the squad for the trip to Poland and Ukraine following the withdrawal of Gareth Barry due to injury.
Moyes said: "I am really pleased for Jags. I said earlier I was disappointed he was only on the standby list because I thought he would bring something different.
"I think the way he performed in the second half of last season merited a call up to the original squad, so I'm delighted he's in there at last."
Jagielka impressed in last weekend's win over Norway in central defence alongside Joleon Lescott and Moyes believes England perform better with the former Sheffield United man in the side.
"When I look at some of England's best displays, they have all come when Jags has been involved," added Moyes.
"He most certainly deserves to be in and around international company and it's great for him that he can now look forward to the Euros.
"When I had him and Joleon at Everton I felt I had the next England centre-back partnership on my hands - and I still see them as such."