Micah Richards believes that Leeds United midfielder Kalvin Phillips has an uphill task to make the England squad for this year's Qatar World Cup. The 26-year-old returned to action for the first time in four months after recovering from an hamstring injury in the Whites' 1-1 draw with Southampton on Saturday.
Phillips replaced Mateusz Klich for the final 25 minutes with the scores level but he wasn't able to help his side to all three points at Elland Road. The Leeds supporters were delighted to see him return and available for the final stretch of the season, with Jesse Marsch's side still battling for Premier League safety.
However, after he missed England's internationals against Switzerland and Ivory Coast, Phillips' future in the Three Lions squad has been put in doubt given the performances of others in his position. Jude Bellingham, Declan Rice and James Ward-Prowse impressed during the recent two-week break, while Jordan Henderson's experience is likely to be preferred for the tournament.
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This could effect Phillips' selection and he may now find it tough to break back into the fold. And Richards, who was capped 13 times for his country, admitted that it is going to be 'difficult' for him to come back into Gareth Southgate's plans.
"Phillips has been injured, Bellingham, Rice and Ward-Prowse they’re the ones I’d be looking at. Phillips when he’s back obviously, but Phillips has been injured all year, so it’s going to be difficult.
"Ward-Prowse is so consistent and so underrated, we talk about his free-kicks, but look at his all-around game and it’s brilliant. He’s Southampton’s best player almost every week."
After making his England debut in September 2020, Phillips has been an integral member of the squad and featured in every game during their Euro 2020 run to the final, where they eventually lost out to Italy on penalties. He was awarded with the Man of the Match award in the opening game against Croatia.
Phillips was also a mainstay in the Autumn internationals, but this latest injury has haltered his progress. But the experience he has already gained whilst playing for England could give him the edge when Southgate is naming his squad in November.
England will face Iran on November 21, before facing USA and either Scotland, Ukraine or Wales in the final group stage game of the tournament. The final week of the Premier League season is just a week before the Three Lions' clash with Iran and Phillips has the opportunity to showcase his worth in the first few months of the domestic season.
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