Former Everton captain Dave Watson is confident Joleon Lescott can handle playing at centre-half for England.

Watson has been hugely impressed by Lescott's form for Everton in the last year and has tipped him to do a good job for his country.

He told evertonTV: "He deserves his chance - and not just for this season. He had a fantastic season last season and he has gone from strength to strength. He has got everything you look for in a centre half - pace, good in the air and great quality on the ball.

"I would have no qualms about playing him at centre-back even though he has played most of his football in the last year at left-back. He is a good all-round footballer and he is one of those players, wherever you play him he will do a good job for you.

"In fact, I think playing centre-back will do him the world of good because it is easier playing centre-back than at left-back.

"John Terry's boots are massive to fill but when you get given a chance you have to take it. It may only be a friendly but it is a chance to show what he can do on the big stage."