Kalvin Phillips, a prominent player earning £150,000 per week at Manchester City, hinted at a potential departure from the club after England’s triumph over Italy. The 27-year-old midfielder, given a starting position by Gareth Southgate at Wembley, showcased his eagerness for regular playing time.
In the game against Italy, where England emerged victorious with a 3-1 scoreline securing their spot in the upcoming summer’s finals in Germany, Phillips was booked for a mistimed challenge. Reflecting on the yellow card, he acknowledged the repercussions of his actions and alluded to the scarcity of game time at his current club.
Southgate, England’s manager, emphasized the importance of consistent club appearances for national team players. Phillips seemed to echo this sentiment, expressing his desire for more minutes on the field and hinting at a potential departure from Manchester City as a means to achieve that goal.
Following the win against Italy, Phillips reflected on his performance and acknowledged his yearning for increased playing time. He admitted the challenge he received was a result of the limited game time he has experienced over the past year and a half. Expressing his determination to prepare for any situation, Phillips emphasized his aspiration to participate in the Euros, highlighting the need for regular playing minutes to fulfill this ambition.
With England’s duty fulfilled for the moment, Southgate can now use the remaining matches to assess other players. Despite Phillips not featuring prominently for his club, he remains a player Southgate admires. The midfielder’s desire for more playing time and his willingness to explore opportunities that offer him minutes on the field underscore his dedication to advancing his career and contributing to the national team’s success. It remains to be seen how this aspiration for regular minutes will influence Phillips’ future and potential departure from Manchester City in January.
