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Andy Goldstein: Kalvin Phillips should be dropped vs Germany
TalkSPORT host Andy Goldstein expects Gareth Southgate to drop Leeds United midfielder Kalvin Phillips for England’s game against Germany next Tuesday.
Germany’s draw against Hungary on Wednesday night meant that they finished second in their group and will square off against the Three Lions in the Round of 16 next week.
England, who topped their group without a single defeat or goal conceded, have shown defensive solidity all tournament, but have struggled to create too much at the other end of the pitch.
Despite Declan Rice and Phillips starting in all three of England’s games, Goldstein expects Phillips to be dropped for Jordan Henderson.
He said, “I’m not sure [about Rice and Phillips starting]. I think he might play Henderson because he played him for a half.”
To which Jason Cundy interjected and asked, “Instead of?” Goldstein replied, “Phillips”.
Absolutely ridiculous
The primary reason for them being so hard to break down has been the seamless understanding between Phillips and Rice in the middle of the park.
Phillips has been capable of playing as a two in midfield with the West Ham man but has also thrived in the free eight position he played in for the tournament’s opener against Croatia.
While Rice drops deep often to form a back three, Phillips tends to dictate the play and advance with the ball when the opportunity arises.
He’s also dictated the tempo of the game from the halfway line and has that eye-of-the-needle pass in his arsenal to split open defences.
He’s played every minute of every game for Southgate’s side this EUROs, and Goldstein wants someone that pivotal to the Three Lions setup to be dropped for someone who’s been out injured for most of the season.
It’s clear that some pundits these days make claims based on name recognition rather than analysing the situation.
There’s no way Phillips should get dropped for this one.
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