Phil Jagielka says Everton’s young English defensive trio are going from strength to strength with every game they play.
Roberto Martinez handed 21-year-old Tyias Browning a full Premier League debut against Swansea on Saturday – and the young right-back turned in an impressive display during the 0-0 draw in South Wales.
Browning – who has appeared for England at Under-17, U19 and U20 level – was joined in the back four by John Stones, Brendan Galloway and Jagielka.
England Under-19s defender Brendan Galloway in action for Everton
And the Toffees captain praised his young counterparts following their clean sheet against the in-form Swans.
"Tyias had a tremendously hard job and did really well," Jagielka told evertontv.com.
"I kept reminding Ty that we had kept it at nil and that was our job done. He was playing against one of the best wingers in the Premier League."
Phil Jagielka has played 37 games for England
Senior international Stones and Galloway – who has been deputising for the injured Leighton Baines at left-back – also impressed Jagielka, who believes the future looks bright for the trio as they continue to develop.
"Brendan – as he usually does – got stuck in and had a great game," he continued.
"The back four is a little bit different to what it has been in previous seasons but it shows that the squad has got some good young talent and some depth.
"It’s up to us experienced ones - and I’m putting John [Stones] in that category now! - to help the younger lads around us.
"I’m delighted for them as much as anyone to keep the clean sheet and hopefully that will build a bit of confidence."
“I’m delighted for them as much as anyone to keep the clean sheet and hopefully that will build a bit of confidence”
Phil Jagielka on Everton's Young Lions
The stalemate at Swansea was also a landmark appearance for Jagielka, who has played in five of England’s eight Euro 2016 qualifiers.
It was his 300th appearance for the club since joining from Sheffield United 2007, and the 33-year-old ended by saying how proud he was to have reached the landmark.
"It’s a fantastic honour to have played that many games," he continued.
"There are quite a few games in there as captain as well.
"As you can see by my smile I’m happy to keep a clean sheet on this occasion - but I intend to keep going for a bit longer yet.
"Hopefully you can interview me for 350 or 400."
