Adrian Durham: Jude Bellingham is ahead of Leeds United ace Kalvin Phillps in Gareth Southgate’ England plans
Adrian Durham believes Jude Bellingham should start ahead of Leeds United midfielder Kalvin Phillips for England in the upcoming World Cup in Qatar.
Phillips has been of interest to Manchester City [The Mirror, 18 May] in recent weeks with his Leeds United future in doubt.
Durham believes that the 26-year-old’s uncertain future and recent injuries mean that 18-year-old Bellingham is now ahead of the Leeds man.
Talking on talkSPORT Breakfast [07:37, 3 June]: “It’s unlucky for Phillips because he has just been injured and had a great Euros.
“Then there’s the question over whether he is going to move this summer or will he start the season.
“For me, Bellingham is ahead of him now.”
Hard to disagree
Sadly for Phillips, the talkSPORT man isn’t wrong in his assessment.
Bellingham is going to be a world beater for England in the future and has been playing regularly for Borussia Dortmund this season.
The uncertainty around Phillps’ future will mean there could be doubts around the number of matches he plays before the upcoming World Cup.
Phillips was arguably England’s best player in the delayed European Championships last summer but it is hard to ignore the talent of Bellingham and the contribution he could make for England in the coming years.
There is still a good chance that Southgate sticks with Phillips for England in the future.
The England boss showed immense faith in the midfielder last summer and has a history of retaining his faith in his favourite players.
Phillips must ensure he is in good form and playing regularly to put himself in contention.
The 26-year-old has immense competition for that midfield spot.
In other Leeds United news, Phil Hay has mooted the possibility of a major player-plus-cash deal at Elland Road this summer.