How Jude Bellingham could be £45m Man City star’s saving grace, as manager’s ‘desperate’ stance shared

Redaction Simon Brett with Tom Procter
Published on 2024-03-27 12:00:00

Manchester City midfielder Kalvin Phillips has had a tough season and is on the verge of missing out on England’s Euro 2024 squad. He left City to join West Ham United on loan in January after a lack of playing time at his parent club. Despite struggling at West Ham and being rated as the lowest in the Premier League, Phillips decided to stay and fight for his place at City last summer, which now seems like a mistake.

Phillips recently missed out on the latest England squad, with manager Gareth Southgate citing his poor form as the reason for his exclusion. However, a report from ESPN suggests that Southgate was actually desperate to call Phillips up and considers him a positive influence on the squad. The report also mentions the potential return of Phillips to the squad, with Jude Bellingham’s role at Real Madrid playing a key part in this decision. Bellingham’s advanced position could open up a spot for Phillips to partner with Declan Rice in midfield.

Southgate and his coaching staff are aware of the need for a midfield partner for Rice, and if Bellingham continues in an attacking role, Phillips could be the solution. Phillips will need to focus on his performance at West Ham to give Southgate a reason to recall him to the England squad. The report suggests that Southgate views Phillips positively and believes in his character, giving the midfielder hope for a return to the national team.

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