Gareth Southgate is backing Kalvin Phillips to find form but defends his decision to leave the Manchester City-owned West Ham United loanee out of his England squad for the March international break.
While there was a place for Jordan Henderson – despite a difficult season for a man now struggling to really stamp his authority on Ajax – calling up two out-of-form central midfielders would have felt rather counter-productive.
Hence Gareth Southgate’s omission of Kalvin Phillips, the Manchester City misfit paying for a disastrous start to life at the London Stadium as he falls behind the likes of Conor Gallagher in the pecking order.
Kalvin Phillips dropped from England squad
Phillips, since joining West Ham United in January, has arguably been at fault for two goals with misplaced passes in his own half, picked up a red card at Nottingham Forest and – during Saturday’s 2-2 draw with Burnley – was hauled off at half-time.
Even Southgate, one of the former Leeds star’s biggest admirers, could not overlook what has been a pretty miserable time in the capital.
“Well, I think he knows exactly what we think of him,” Southgate tells The Independent after handing maiden call-ups to Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite and Newcastle winger Anthony Gordon.
“A good version of (Phillips) is an important player for us and that’s why we’ve supported him as we have. Unfortunately, his form hasn’t been good enough and I’ve spoken to him about that. He understands (why he has been left out).
“(Phillips) has all the attributes to force his way back in. He just needs to find that rhythm and confidence because there is an outstanding player in there.”
Future uncertain for Manchester City loanee
Phillips could find himself on the outside looking in at club level too. It is no coincidence that West Ham came roaring back from 2-0 down once Edson Alvarez replaced him at the interval against Burnley last time out.
David Moyes’ side face Freiburg in the UEFA Europa League tonight, and will need to showcase their powers of recovery again following a 1-0 first leg defeat.
West Ham then host Champions League-chasing Aston Villa on Sunday.
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