Phil Jagielka has admitted that he was frustrated at being left out of England's original Euro 2012 squad but is 'thankful' that he has been handed a second chance.
The Everton defender was called up by Roy Hodgson to replace Gareth Barry in the Three Lions' 23-man party after the 31-year-old was ruled out with a stomach injury.
Liverpool midfielder Jordan Henderson was named on Hodgson's standby list and seemed to be the like-for-like alternative, but Jagielka is grateful that the England manager has opted to take him to the tournament instead.
"It was frustrating and disappointing not to be in the 23, but the manager was honest and straight and asked if I would be on standby and play a part against Norway and if anything happened I'd be in with a shout," he said.
"I got to play 90 minutes for my country and I've made the 23. It was always going to be a lottery but we were one defender light, with an extra midfielder, and thankfully I got the nod."
Jagielka has been capped 11 times by England since debuting in 2008.
Joe Fish
