Kalvin Phillips has declared himself ready to go to the World Cup, with the returning Manchester City midfielder ‘very hopeful’ of being included in England’s 26-man squad for Qatar.
The 26-year-old arrived from Leeds United for £45m in the summer, but a shoulder injury has limited him to three substitute appearances.
Phillips, who has been out for over two months, is set to be on the bench for City’s EFL Cup match against Chelsea on Wednesday.
The England international has also spoken about his recovery from shoulder surgery ahead of his impending return to play.
“The shoulder’s perfectly fine now,” Phillips told BBC Radio 5 Live.
“I have gone through a seven-week process of recovering as fast as I possibly can for the World Cup. Everything is going great.
“I’ve obviously not done it for quite a long time now but I’ve kept my fitness up and I’d like to think I could play 90 minutes.”
Will Kalvin Phillips Be Included In England World Cup Squad?
When asked about securing one of Gareth Southgate’s midfield spots, Phillips said he is ‘very hopeful’ of making the cut.
“I’m not too sure yet. I’m very hopeful that I can be involved. We will have to wait and see.
“Pep has been great and he has spoken to me quite a lot. It is part of football and he understands that. After my first full contact session the other day he said he would hopefully try and get me minutes against Chelsea.
“[Following surgery] I spoke to Gareth and told him about my situation. I said I understood if he didn’t select me but he reassured me that ‘as long as you’re fit enough and you prove you’re progressing well, there’s always a chance you will be called up’.
See Also: Gabriel Jesus Reacts To His Brazil Call-Up For World Cup
While Phillips might play against Chelsea in midweek, Southgate is anticipated to select his 26-man England team on Thursday, November 10.
COMMENTS