Not good enough: Southgate explains why 28-year-old was dropped from England squad

Not good enough: Southgate explains why 28-year-old was dropped from England squad

Ifeanyi Ufomadu 16:31 - 14.03.2024

England boss Gaeth Southgate has announced his squad for friendlies against Brazil and Belgium this month.

Gareth Southgate says he hopes to select Kalvin Phillips for Euro 2024, but admitted the midfielder has not been good enough to deserve a call-up this month.

The 28-year-old midfielder has endured a very tough start to his loan spell at West Ham, being directly responsible for the Hammers conceding a goal just three minutes into his debut against Bournemouth and then getting sent off at Nottingham Forest.

Southgate snubs Phillips from England squad

Since joining Manchester City, Phillips has had limited playing time, making only two Premier League starts in a year-and-a-half.

Southgate said on Thursday: “I think he [Phillips] knows exactly what we think of him. I think we’ve shown that support.

"A good version of him is a good player for us. That’s why we’ve supported him like we have.

“We don’t have many players of that profile. Unfortunately, his form hasn’t been good enough."

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