Gary Neville has claimed that he believes Leeds United’s Kalvin Phillips is actually better on the ball than Declan Rice, on Monday Night Football, which was broadcast by Sky Sports.
Phillips and Rice have accompanied each other in England’s midfield of late, with the Leeds and West Ham men seemingly striking up a strong partnership.
There is now a genuine feeling that Rice and Phillips could well start for England at the European Championships in the summer.
And Neville claims that Phillips has become England’s best option on the ball from deep-lying areas.
“Phillips is better at passing the ball through the lines at Leeds. Henderson and Rice are good on the ball, but I think Phillips is the best out of the three on the ball.”
West Ham fans may not all agree with Neville’s analysis, as Rice has developed hugely on the ball of late.
But Phillips does play as the orchestrator in Leeds’ side, and his long-range passing may just be slightly more accurate than Rice’s.
Rice offers England other qualities, with his ability to drive from deep clearly pivotal.
There are some concerns whether the £80-million rated talent (Sky) will actually make it back in time for the summer tournament though, as the Telegraph report that he is currently set for a lengthy lay off with injury.
If Rice isn’t fit, then Phillips looks almost a certain starter for the Three Lions at this point.
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