Warnock: Rice & Phillips fighting for one England spot in Leeds clash v West Ham
Stephen Warnock has claimed that Kalvin Phillips and Declan Rice could be battling for one England spot as Leeds United travel to West Ham this evening.
The Whites travel to the London Stadium with their London curse in their pocket, but there could be more on the line that just that.
Gareth Southgate has been present at numerous Whites games this season, and Phillips’ return from injury comes just before the March internationals.
Speaking on Sky Sports, via the Yorkshire Evening Post, Warnock claimed that it will be an interesting battle in midfield at the London Stadium.
“What’s interesting for me, I think Kalvin Phillips has travelled for Leeds,” he said.
“So you look at that battle in midfield with Declan Rice, which is possibly a battle for an England place in the summer.”
This is definitely a possibility.
Both have been given a big boost in terms of their England chances recently, with Liverpool skipper Jordan Henderson being ruled out long-term after surgery.
That turns three into two, but with the amount of attacking talent in the Three Lions set-up, Southgate may be tempted to only play one holding midfielder.
Rice and Phillips are very similar.
According to WhoScored, the Whites ace makes more tackles, clearances and blocks per game than the Irons captain, who completes more interceptions.
The Yorkshire Pirlo is easily better on the ball, with his passing stats through the roof compared to Rice who is better known as just a defensive-minded player.
It could all come down to fitness, but Phillips has the perfect chance to prove himself should he return against his direct competitor this evening.
In other Leeds United news, James Tavernier shares exchanges with Lucas Radebe online