Rodwell ready to impress for Everton this season

Jack Rodwell has insisted he is finally ready to step up for club and country this season.

Rodwell has urged Everton boss David Moyes to give him the chance to show he can fill the void left by Mikel Arteta, while he is also dreaming of following the likes of Phil Jones, Chris Smalling and Danny Welbeck into the England senior squad.

“I think this is the season for me,” said the midfielder, who helped England Under-21s thrash Azerbaijan on Thursday night in their opening European Championship qualifier.

“Last season was frustrating for me. I had a lot of injuries and couldn’t really get a pattern of football going and I wasn’t really fit.

“But hopefully that won’t happen this season and I can stay fit and I can get back-to-back games.”

Rodwell, who watched the Spaniard’s transfer saga unfold on Wednesday night, said: “He’s a great player. He’s a good lad as well. He’ll be sorely missed.

“But it’s a good opportunity for him, so we’ll all wish him the best.

“He will be a miss but we’ve got a lot of young players who can fill in.”

But is Rodwell ready to be that man?

“Yeah, definitely. If I’m asked to,” he said.

“I’m ready now. I feel fit, I feel sharp and focused.”

Rodwell also hopes getting back to his best will ultimately lead to a senior England call-up.

“We all want to play for the seniors, so it starts here,” said Rodwell, who is still in touch with former Under-21 team-mates Jones, Smalling and Welbeck following their step up.

“I still speak to them on a regular basis and we are pleased for them.

“They have all done well at Man United and their respective clubs, so we wish them the best of luck.”