Jagielka backed for England start

Phil Jagielka won his first England cap against Trinidad and Tobago

AFC Telford United midfielder Steve Jagielka says the time is right for his younger brother Phil to break into the England team when they face Spain.

The Everton defender, 26, has received much praise for his performances in the Toffees' rearguard this season.

Steve told BBC Radio Shropshire: "It would be great if he started.

"You've got the big names still about on the England scene but they're not going to be there forever. I think he's been playing just as well."

He added: "He's got plenty of pace about him, plenty of power, he's been looking after people like [Fernando] Torres now for the last couple of weeks. I think he's been doing quite well."

Fabio Capello's side take on Spain in an international friendly at the Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan Stadium in Seville on Wednesday.

Capello handed Jagielka his first and only previous cap in Trinidad in June and the defender's elder brother believes he deserves a second.

Steve said: "I think he's been disappointed a couple of times that he hasn't made a couple of the other squads but he's been playing well for quite a long time now.

"I think he thought if he didn't get in this one then maybe it wasn't going to be his time, but he's buzzing to be in the squad and connected with England."

Both brothers made it as professional footballers, with Phil starting his career with Sheffield United before his move to Everton in 2007, while Steve also played for the Blades, Shrewsbury Town and now AFC Telford.

Steve added: "He's my brother at the end of the day, we've always played football with each other as kids and he's progressed really well ever since he went to Sheffield United. I'm just really proud of him."