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Phil Jagielka has revealed his delight at Ross Barkley’s England debut – and says the Everton teenager does not realise how good he is.

The 19-year-old midfielder was a second half substitute at Wembley on Friday night as his remarkable early season form was rewarded with a first cap for the Three Lions.

Barkley produced a highly confident 30 minute cameo against Moldova and Jagielka says the Wavertree teenager was never at risk of being overawed by the occasion.

Jagielka has praised the way Barkley has recovered from the set-back of a double leg break three years ago and the manner in which he continues to deal with the increasing expectation at Everton.

The Blues captain, who won his 20th cap for England on Friday night, says his team-mate’s fearless approach is “refreshing” to see.

“He takes it in his stride,” Jagielka told the ECHO.

“He’s quite a quiet lad and doesn’t talk that much but on the pitch he just enjoys playing.

“But Ross just takes it in his stride and loves playing football. He gets on the training ground and does he thing.

“I don’t think he realises how good he is half the time. It is so natural and refreshing to watch.

“He’s really enjoyed being with the squad and that’s what you love to see, especially with a young lad.

“He’s had so much expectation chucked on his shoulders and had to deal with a couple of bad injuries.

“So as well as the plus points, there has been a lot of negativity in his career but he seems to have come through that really well.

“He is playing well for Everton and that is the reason he got called up and on Friday when he came on he gave us a little lift.”

England finished the game with three Everton players on the pitch in a competitive game for the first time since 1988. Barkley, Jagielka and Leighton Baines saw out the Three Lions’ 4-0 win over Moldova.

It was the first international hat-trick of its kind for the Blues since Gary Stevens, Trevor Steven and Dave Watson played for the national side against Russia in the European Championships 25 years ago.

“It’s nice to see,” said Jagielka.

“We all travelled down together and it’s always nice when you’ve got your team-mates playing for England. Long may it continue.”