'There wasn't much of a first coming,' he jokes, but accepts the theory.
Jagielka's full England debut came in a friendly in Spain when he was hooked by Fabio Capello at half-time, after a defensive slip had allowed David Villa in to score.
Relaxed: Jagielka was in a positive mood as he spoke to the media ahead of England's clash with Wales
He waited 18 months for another start, suffering a serious knee injury and missing the World Cup finals before a recall against Hungary in August last year, when he scored in his own net.
The Everton defender has since emerged as one Capello's preferred reserves in central defence which, with the fitness records of Rio Ferdinand and John Terry, has amounted to plenty of game time.
'It's been a positive eight months for my England career,' said Jagielka. 'I've been in most squads when fit and played a few games. So it's a positive second coming if that's how you want to describe it.'
Start me up: Jagielka is raring to go
When he left Goodison Park for England HQ last weekend, he went with a flea in his ear from manager David Moyes, who believes it is time for the 28-year-old to grasp the opportunity to establish himself as a regular for his country.
Jagielka agrees he is feeling more at ease with the Three Lions on his chest and could win his eighth cap against Wales on Saturday, yet he is not the sort to take his call-up text message for granted.
'Rather than hoping for a text, maybe I'll get to the level where I'm expecting a text,' he said.
'If I play a few more games and do well, hopefully that will be the case. Then, the next step would be to turn up hoping to start, or expecting to start the game. I'm a little while away from that at the moment.
'There are five centre-backs in this squad vying for two places. Rio being injured opens the door. Who gets to walk through it, we'll have to wait and see.
'I'll hold my hand up and say I've not had the best season playing for Everton. I've not had a horrific season but I've had a few injuries and probably won't be in our top five players of the season, which for me is disappointing.
'I like to analyse my own game and try to improve. I'm a realist. I know when I've been playing well or not. I've not been playing badly but wouldn't class myself as having a great season.'
Refreshing realism maybe. Or perhaps evidence of the self-doubt which Moyes believes Jagielka must banish if he is to climb to the very top level.
Moyes said: 'He needs to drive himself on to be that person. It has got to come from within. He has to be the one who says: "I want to overhaul John Terry and all the players in front of me". That's the bit I want to see from him. That's really important. Sometimes he suffers from self-doubt.'
Far from trying overhaul his defensive rival, Jagielka came out to offer Terry the most glowing reference yet to emerge from inside the England camp.
'JT goes about his business the way he always does,' he said. 'He's the first to smash you in training and the first to shake your hand and pick you up. He speaks to everyone. He has no best friends or worst friends. He's a really nice guy and I'm delighted to have him as a captain.'
Capello has started his six games this season with five different central defensive partnerships, changes partly enforced by injuries.
With Jagielka absent in Denmark last month, the England boss paired Terry and Michael Dawson.
Against France in November, Ferdinand started with Joleon Lescott, with Jagielka at right-back.
Out of position: Jagielka (centre) did not enjoy his shift at right-back against the French in November
'I didn't really enjoy it, no,' said Jagielka, once famed for his versatility. 'I'd have preferred to play right-back than sit on the bench but I've only played there three or four times since I had a prolonged period there at Sheffield United.
'I see myself as a centre-half now. At one time I saw myself as a midfield player who could get forward a bit but when Craig Short came to Sheffield United he told me straight away I was a defender. Funnily enough, the old guy was right.'
Jagielka's only experience at the Millennium Stadium came eight years ago during his time with the Blades and is not a happy one. United were three down by half-time and beaten 3-0 by Wolverhampton Wanderers in a play-off final.
After starting his own club career in the Championship, he has respect for a Wales squad with several players drawn from the depths of English football.
Jagielka said: 'I was released by Everton as a young lad and had a few trials before joining Sheff United. I honestly don't believe I'd still be in football if I'd stayed at Everton and not progressed.
Listen to me son: Jagielka has developed well under Everton manager Moyes at Goodison Park
'A lot of people more highly thought of than me at the time are not playing football now.
'When you're thrown into the Championship at 18, it's all about results and you grow up very quickly. You gain experience from the heights of getting to the play-off finals, cup runs, losing and it sets a level for the future. I owe Sheff United a lot.
'Wales might not have strength in depth but they've got some fantastic players. Three or four would probably get in the England squad.
'How many Switzerland players would get in our squad? How many of the USA team and they're quite highly ranked. Australia the same again.
'We are massively favourites but this will be unlike any international game I've played in before.
'International football can be a little bit slow sometimes but we expect a different level of intensity than you get from the normal away fixtures in a European qualifier. It will be pretty much like a Premier League game. Maybe more of a Championship game.'
Behind the skipper: Jagielka was full of praise for Terry (centre) after he was handed back the armband
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?Explore more:People: David Villa, Joleon Lescott, John Terry, Michael Dawson, David Moyes, Fabio Capello, Phil Jagielka, Rio Ferdinand Places: Spain, France, Australia, Denmark, Hungary, United Kingdom, Wales
Source: Daily Mail
Source: Daily Mail