Jamie Carragher has called for Leeds United’s Kalvin Phillips to be dropped for England’s game against the Czech Republic tomorrow night in the Telegraph.
England will be looking to bounce back from what was a hugely disappointing performance against Scotland, by grabbing a win which will secure their place as group winners on Tuesday.
Gareth Southgate has several big selection calls to make, not least in central midfielder, where Phillips was not as effective as he was in the Three Lions’ opener in their last outing.
The Leeds man wasn’t positive enough in possession against Scotland, but he was far from the only member of the squad who could be accused of that.
With Liverpool’s Jordan Henderson waiting in the wings and fully fit, Phillips place in England’s team is now under serious threat.
And Carragher feels that the time has come for the Liverpool captain to replace Phillips, although he did stress the Leeds enforcer could still have a big role to play in the knockout stages.
“If Jordan Henderson is not involved on Tuesday, the question will have to be asked whether it made sense to include him in the squad. Give the Liverpool captain an hour alongside Declan Rice and gauge where his level is,” Carragher said.
“That does not mean Kalvin Phillips won’t come back in for the knockout stage, but will at least allow Southgate to be clearer about his options for the rest of the competition.”
Phillips still to be key?
Phillips may actually benefit from taking a break, given the hype after his first performance.
The Leeds midfielder never before had experienced the media attention he got after setting up England’s only goal of the tournament against Croatia.
If England can win tomorrow night they will be certain to play their last 16 tie at Wembley, which could be a major advantage for Southgate’s men.
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