Southgate hints Kalvin Phillips remains in his England plans after win

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Gareth Southgate has hinted that Kalvin Phillips is still very much in his plans despite the Leeds United star missing the international break due to injury as he suggested that Jude Bellingham is not yet ready to play in the deeper role in England’s midfield.

Bellingham was one of the stars of the show on Tuesday as the Three Lions beat Ivory Coast. The Borussia Dortmund midfielder was excellent alongside Declan Rice.

Of course, for many, that has seen Bellingham stake a claim to start at the World Cup in Qatar. And there are now potential doubts over whether Phillips – who was named England’s player of the year in 2021 – will make the squad given the depth Southgate has in midfield.

Phillips has not played for Leeds since December due to injury. And Whites fans know that the 26-year-old has had his doubters throughout his time with England.

Southgate was asked about Bellingham following Tuesday’s win. And his mention of Phillips suggests that the Leeds man remains right in his thinking.

“He [Bellingham] might end up being able to play a bit deeper [than the number eight] but at the moment he wants to go and press and that takes him out of the defensive positions a little bit too early,” he said in his press conference.

“It’s a bit like Gallagher. They want to go and press. So at the moment they are not going to have the stability to play as one of the deeper players, as a double pivot.

“You could do it in a 3-4-3. But the likes of Rice, Henderson and Phillips have the tactical awareness that are going to be important in those positions.”

Leeds will hope Kalvin Phillips secures return to England fold ahead of the summer

England do not play now until June. By that time, the Premier League season will have concluded. And Leeds will know whether they will be a top-flight side next season.

Phillips’ return is set to be a massive boost for Jesse Marsch’s side. And a return to form for the academy graduate could go a long way to helping keep Leeds up.

The Elland Road faithful will hope to see Phillips back in that next England squad.

If he is, that will probably mean that he has had a decent time back in the Leeds side.