Former Leeds United midfielder Kalvin Phillips remains odds-on to start England’s first World Cup group match against Iran in November. That is according to the latest odds from Betfair, who have priced him at 8/15 to be named in Gareth Southgate’s first starting XI in Qatar.
Phillips has been a key part of Southgate’s England in the last two years but his lack of game time since moving to Manchester City may be a cause for concern. The 26-year-old has picked up a couple of niggling injury problems in the opening month of the season which has restricted him to just 13 minutes of football in all competitions so far.
That said, with a busy few weeks of football ahead of the World Cup, Phillips will be almost certain to play a bigger role for City which could prove vital to his chances of playing a key role. Phillips has played 23 times for his country with his form at Leeds impressing Southgate so much, he made his England debut before making his first Premier League appearance.
READ MORE: Five winners and losers from Leeds United's enforced Premier League break
The only other Leeds player Betfair have offered a price on to start against Iran is Patrick Bamford, who is deemed an extreme long-shot at 66/1. Following Bamford’s Three Lions debut 12 months ago, he has struggled severely with injuries which has pushed him down the pecking order.
Arguably Leeds’ strongest shout for an England representation in Qatar is Jack Harrison. While Betfair have not offered odds on making the first XI, Sky Bet have priced him at 9/1 to be on the plane.
READ NEXT:
· Go here for all the latest Leeds United news
· Rasmus Kristensen fitness hint as Leeds United right-back receives call-up
· Leeds United facing fixture pile-up as battle to squeeze in Manchester United trip begins
· Best and worst-case scenarios as Leeds United braced for Premier League slide during break
· Leeds United advantage could be difference for Jesse Marsch as home form builds
