Phil Jagielka believes Wayne Rooney has given the perfect answer to his critics with the blistering start he has made to his second spell at Everton.
Rooney has scored both of Everton's Premier League goals this season, following up his opening-day winner at home to Stoke with Everton's opener in Monday night's 1-1 draw at Manchester City.
On Tuesday, England's 1966 World Cup hero Sir Geoff Hurst urged Gareth Southgate not to recall the former Manchester United striker for next month's World Cup qualifying double-header against Malta and Slovakia.
But Jagielka is confident Rooney can take his current patch with Everton onto the international stage if he earns an England recall.
"Wayne and his team-mates never doubt him, so I am not sure why people would doubt him," he said.
"He has proven when he is given a chance to play a number of games, he normally scores a number of goals, so his record for his country and his teams has been second to none.
"And so far for us, in pre-season and in the league and in our brief European stint, he has been one of our best players and hopefully that will continue.
"If England comes knocking, obviously he is younger than me and he has more goals to go for, so I am sure he will be happy. If not, we would be delighted he gets a rest and is ready to go for us."
Everton started with eight Englishmen in their side against City on Monday night, with England boss Southgate in attendance at the Etihad Stadium.
But 35-year-old Jagielka is unsure whether he will get the chance to add to his 40 international appearances.
"I don't know. It will take care of itself," Jagielka said, when asked about his international prospects.
"I think there are some fantastic young centre-halves around that are playing, and have been bought for big money as well, so I am not sure where I am as far as the pecking order comes but Gareth is doing a good job.
"If I am needed, I will be there, if not, I think Gareth understands that I don't need to come on trips for experience. It's a case of there being some great lads out there that will use that experience."