Leeds United’s Kalvin Phillips stated that he is competing with ‘great players’ after he was asked about his midfield battle with Jordan Henderson for England, as posted by Beanyman Sports.
After Phillips started England’s 3-0 win over Wales last Thursday, Liverpool’s captain Henderson and West Ham’s Declan Rice replaced him and Harry Winks in the middle of the park.
All of the above players are fighting for that deep-lying midfield role, with Henderson seemingly a definite starter and then it’s up to the other trio to take their place.
Phillips was asked about his midfield battle with Henderson after their 2-1 win over Belgium, as he issued a classy response.
“It’s got to be a battle to play for England,” said Phillips. “I’ll be honest. I didn’t think I would be here if you told me I would be here a year ago. I wouldn’t even think that.
“But it’s healthy for all of us. Everyone in the squad, my position or not, they know that there are a lot of people who want to play for England. We have great players in my role. All I can do is do my best in training, in games and at club level as well.
“Hopefully, that’s enough for me to play games and I think I have started reasonably well and hopefully I can keep it up.”
If Gareth Southgate continues with his current three at the back formation then that means there will only be two men occupying that midfield role.
Some fans would argue that Phillips deserve the nod because he is a more progressive passer of the ball than Rice and Winks.
But a lot of it will also come down to how the players perform at club level because there are certainly places up for grabs ahead of the European Championships next summer.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
