Football

World Cup 2022: Kalvin Phillips predicted rapid rise of fellow England midfielder

World Cup 2022: Kalvin Phillips predicted rapid rise of fellow England midfielder

England midfielder Kalvin Phillips says he knew long before the 2022 World Cup that Jude Bellingham would be a key player for the Three Lions.

As reported by the Independent, Phillips said he knew of Bellingham’s potential for the national side a handful of years ago.

At just 19, Bellingham is already a star for both club and country. He is a regular for Borussia Dortmund in Germany, playing in the Bundesliga and Champions League.

And he is also a regular under England manager Gareth Southgate. The midfielder started all three group matches in Qatar, scoring his country’s opening goal at the tournament.

Phillips predicted England midfielder’s rapid rise

Bellingham finds himself in the starting XI ahead of Manchester City midfielder Phillips. The latter has, however, missed a large chunk of the season through injury.

Phillips did recover in time to make Southgate’s squad, but has watched on from the bench for most of the tournament. The Man City man has praised his fellow midfielder, and knew just how much of a key player he would become for England.

“I knew a few years ago that Jude would be a major part of this England team, with the way he’s performed not just for England but for Borussia Dortmund,” said Phillips.

“He’s an amazing talent, he’s one of those kids that doesn’t say too much but just goes out on the training pitch and is only going to become a better and better player.”

Phillips relishing competition for places

Phillips also touched on just how competitive it is for places in the starting XI. The midfielder was handed his first World Cup minutes in the win against Wales on Tuesday.

He came on in the 58th minute for Declan Rice, setting up Marcus Rashford’s second goal just 10 minutes later. Noting the competition for places, Phillips praised his compatriots and their ability to change games from the bench.

“We have got an amazing strength in depth and I think obviously with the players that we’ve got there are times when you miss out and not play as much,” said Phillips.

“But when you’ve got people like Jack [Grealish] coming off the bench and getting those chances and Marcus who can play anywhere across the front three we’ve just got a lot of options.

“There are so many people to pick out who have talent. We see it as a positive for England.”

England

England preparing for Senegal test

England finished top of Group B in Qatar with two wins and one draw from their three games. They began the tournament with a 6-2 win over Iran, followed by a goalless draw with the USA and a 3-0 win over Wales.

England’s total of nine goals is the highest in the group stages so far, with their goal difference of seven level with Spain at the top of the standings.

Southgate’s men have now been handed a Sunday Round of 16 meeting with Senegal, who came second in Group A. The African side beat both Qatar and Ecuador, losing to eventual group winners the Netherlands.


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