After his England debut, can Rodwell drive Everton up the table?

By David Anderson

Published 11:27 14/11/11

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Jack is back.

Everton's comeback kid Jack Rodwell has grown into one of Fabio Capello's Three Lions.

Rodwell's rapid promotion this season comes after a year when his career seemed to plateau.

David Moyes never accepted this argument, claiming any levelling out in Rodwell's progression was perceived rather than real.

He was maintaining earlier this season in response to comparisons with Ross Barkley that Rodwell's development looked like it had slowed because he had been a first-team regular almost from the age of 16.

Moyes claimed he was still level with his peers, such as Jack Wilshere, Phil Jones and Jordan Henderson, who took longer to establish themselves as first-team players.

Injuries also disrupted Rodwell's progress and it's hard to believe he is still only 20 when he has been around so long.

Whether Rodwell's dip was real or imagined, what cannot be denied now is his great recent form.

Ironically, it goes back to his disappointment at being red carded in the Merseyside derby at the start of last month.

Having that sending off rescinded seemed to boost his game and he has been outstanding for the Blues.

Rodwell was always strong, dynamic and good on the ball and what he's added to his game is goals.

He had only scored twice in his first 76 league appearances for Everton, but has netted twice in his last four games.

His header at St James' Park - on a day Everton contrived to lose a game they should have got something from - was particularly impressive and a sign of his growing maturity.

Perhaps Barkely's emergence at just 17 has given him a gee up and he is more assured in his play.

Moyes needs leaders with Everton struggling at the wrong end of the Premier League table and Rodwell has shown he is willing to step up to the plate.

Capello can see his potential and feels he could form England's midfield engine room with Wilshere over the next decade.

That's why he was keen to blood him against Spain and may even start him against Sweden tomorrow to further his education on the international stage.

This, coupled with Phil Jagielka's assured display, is all good news for Everton and the pair will be buzzing when they join up with their club-mates at Finch Farm.

Maybe this can give Everton the lift they need and remind them that they are far better than 17th position in the league.

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