Smith doesn’t see any room in England starting XI for Phillips

A bold England starting XI does not contain Kalvin Phillips, according to former England Women’s forward Sue Smith.

The recent spate of World Cup qualifiers have provided a window into the thoughts of England boss Gareth Southgate ahead of this summer’s Euros.

Leeds United midfielder Phillips pushed his claims for a start against Croatia in June by starting all three games.

But despite England collecting nine points from a possible nine, Smith wants to see more going forward.

The former Doncaster Belle said that Southgate’s liking for two defensive midfielders could stifle the Three Lions’ creativity.

And with Phillips pressed into a role that didn’t play to his strengths, she thinks he should be the man to miss out.

Writing in the Yorkshire Post, she said: “I like the fact Southgate has played with a couple of different systems since the last World Cup – 4-3-3 and 3-4-3. It is good to have a plan A and B to switch between for different types of games or even within games.

“People talk about players not being used to certain systems at club level but most of England’s are pretty adaptable. Conor Coady, for example, has had his fair share of games in a Wolverhampton Wanderers back four this season, even if results have not always been great, and sometimes you look at Manchester City and wonder if they even have a formation.

“The problem a lot of fans, me included, have is with playing two defensive midfielders. Leeds United’s Kalvin Phillips is a brilliant holding midfielder but often pushed forward a bit more rather than sitting alongside Declan Rice. I would rather have just one of them alongside two attacking midfielders in the style of Mason Mount or Phil Foden.

“But then there is probably a reason why I am not a manager! I would always be happy winning games 5-4.”

However, while she does not see room in the side for both Rice and Phillips, she would throw Jordan Henderson straight back into the side.

Doubts remain over Henderson’s involvement as he battles back from groin surgery.

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp was unable to put a timescale on his return but Smith think he should be one of the first names on the teamsheet – if he proves his fitness.

“Mount has to play, and I would have him in the midfield position he played against Poland. If Jordan Henderson can prove his match-fitness he will be a starter, I just hope we do not fall into the trap of previous tournaments where we have taken a key player unable to produce his best.”