Jagielka plays with broken toe to impress for Euro 2012

Phil Jagielka admitted he gambled on his broken toe to try to win a Euro 2012 place.

The Everton defender needed a pain-killing injection to play against Spain after breaking his little toe on his right foot. Jagielka impressed against the world champions, but is now set to return to Goodison Park before tomorrow’s friendly with Sweden. “It was an agreement with the club that they would let me play against Spain, which was brilliant of them,” he said.

“It was a small risk, but a risk I was prepared to take. It’s nothing an ­injection won’t take care of. It numbed my toe for a few hours and it will be a little bit sore.

“It normally takes four weeks without playing before it is without playing before it’s mended and double with playing so I’ve got a few more weeks with injections yet.

“I don’t know if I’ve made a strong case for the Euros, you’d have to ask the manager. But it’s a positive result and let’s see where we go from here. We’ve got a decent amount of strength in depth in the squad, and some good ­characters.

“I wouldn’t get too carried away saying we’re going to win the Euros – it was only a friendly against Spain.”

But it was encouraging for Jags as he was subbed at half-time by Capello (left) the last time he faced Spain – in 2009 – after being given the runaround.

On Saturday, Jagielka proved he can perform against top-class sides with an outstanding display.

He said: “Last time I thought I played quite well, other than costing us a goal.

“I ­obviously didn’t get to play the second half, which was a bit heart-wrenching.

“I didn’t get to play much international football after that for a while, so now it is brilliant to win and keep a clean sheet.”