Matt Jarvis named in England squad

Wolves winger Matt Jarvis was today named in England's provisional squad for next Wednesday's friendly against France at Wembley.

Manager Mick McCarthy confirmed this afternoon that the 24-year-old winger has been included in Fabio Capello's party.

The final squad will be announced tomorrow at 8pm.

But it's understood that the provisional squad is likely to be the final selection, injuries permitting, and Jarvis has a very good chance of appearing.

If he plays, Jarvis would become the first Wolves player since Steve Bull in 1990 to be capped by England.

McCarthy said today: "Matt has been brilliant all season and deserves it. He's playing as well as he ever has done in the Premier League.

"He's causing problems to defenders whether he's playing on the right or the left and has worked tremendously hard."

Jarvis, who was in the provisional squad for the Euro 2012 qualifiers against Bulgaria and Switzerland in September, has been watched by Capello four times this season – against Everton, Newcastle, Villa and Manchester United.

And McCarthy, who paid a bargain £600,000 for Jarvis in June 2007, insists the former Gillingham wide man is ready for the step up.

The manager said: "I sat next to England's assistant boss Franco Baldini at the Stoke-Manchester United game and said I'd play him, no question.

"He just asked me about him and my opinion because he's our player. 'Jarvo' is causing problems to defenders in the Premier League.

"What he does is not only put it in going forward but he puts his shift in going back.

"I've been an international manager and it's not up to me now but would I play him? Well I'm going to say yes anyway aren't I?

"But I'd only say yes if I thought it was justified. And why not give him a try for a friendly?

"I'm not saying he's an England player and I'm not picking him for the England team because I wouldn't do that.

"But if there's a friendly I'm sure they know about a lot of the players who have already played.

"He played against Wes Brown and Gary Neville against Manchester United and then Micah Richards against Manchester City.

"I don't think Ashley Cole particularly enjoyed playing against him either."

Bull won the last of his 13 England caps under Graham Taylor in October 1990.