Jagielka and Barkley receive high praise in national press for their parts in England's draw with Italy
Daily Mirror
David McDonnell: Jagielka - Key interceptions first half and best defender for England (6).
John Cross: "Walcott was hualed off to alllow Rooney to go up front with Ross Barkley slotting into the midfield. England improved dramatically, found some rhythm and finally made it a contest."
Dave Kidd: "Ross Barkley's introduction injected life into England."
Daily MailRob Draper: Jagielka - Heavy touch in bringing the ball out and, along with Smalling, failed to command the penalty area for Italy's goal. Looked ill at ease (5).
Ross Barkley - Brought fluidity and direction in midfield (6).
Martin Samuel: "The starting line-up so moribund, excitment and ambition only arrived with the second-half substitutions - Ross Barkley and Townsend in particular."
Martin Keown: "When you look at Phil Jagielka’s rise in international football, it has been completely without fanfare.
"He had a couple of hairy moments, but still looked the best defender on show in Turin, weighing in with countless clearances and blocks. He also reads the game very well.
"He was relegated to the Championship with Sheffield United in 2007 and bought by Everton, where he took a while to mature.
"But right now, he looks better than Smalling and Jones, who have had a lot more hype surrounding their breakthroughs into the England squad. Jagielka was left out against Lithuania, but showed he should still be first-choice."
The GuardianDaniel Taylor: "Barkley looked eager to impress and finally England started playing with real impetus."
The TelegraphHenry Winter: "England were invigorated, looking far sharper. Rooney and Barkley linked well. Rooney almost scored, running on to a ball over the top but unable to beat Buffon."
Jeremy Wilson: Phil Jagielka - "England’s best defender but still not at the same level as Bonucchi or Chiellini. Made important first-half interception to deny Darmian and then again in the second-half to block Eder (6).
The IndependentJack Pitt-Brooke: "This has been a disappointing season for Ross Barkley for Everton, as the 21-year-old, famously and repeatedly hailed as a “football diamond” by Roberto Martinez last year has struggled for form in a side which has lost its way. Last night, though, he played with the enthusiasm of a young player trying to make up for almost a year of frustration.
"Barkley was a natural at the tip of England’s diamond, and he had the enthusiasm, touch and vision to give England more impetus in the second half. Carrick, ultimately, proved more influential, but Barkley did provide a spark which England had lacked until then. Raheem Sterling remains the best in that role if England are to persist with their diamond midfield but Barkley, in Turin, showed glimmers of what he can still do."
Daily StarDave Armitage - Barkley: Gave England an injection of life and enhanced the side going forward (8).
Phil Jagielka - Great interception on the line to clear real danger early on. Looked fairly comfortable for the most part but will probably question himself on whether he could have picked Pelle up for first half goal (6).
By Greg O’Keeffe / Echo
