Chris Sutton believes it’s ‘impossible’ for one Manchester City player to make his way back into the England squad for Euro 2024.
Manchester City have 16 players who have been called up to their national squads this week for the first international break of 2024.
Three of them – Kyle Walker, John Stones and Phil Foden – are in the England squad and took part in Saturday’s 1-0 friendly defeat to Brazil.
Walker picked up a knock 20 minutes in and is now a doubt for Tuesday’s match against Belgium but the others will be hoping to put in a strong display.
Gareth Southgate is running the rule over his team for the final time before picking his squad for Euro 2024.
The trio are certain to be on the plane to Germany while Jack Grealish is a strong possibility as well.
However, Chris Sutton doesn’t think Kalvin Phillips has a single chance of playing his way back into the squad.
Chris Sutton says Kalvin Phillips has no chance of getting back in the England squad
Speaking on the BBC’s Monday Night Club, Sutton said when asked if Phillips could potentially get in the team: “No.
“No. It was always going to be difficult for him anyway, he went to West Ham for game time and with the greatest respect, I do feel for him.
“He was very public about his time at Manchester City and the effect that that had on him. He’s gone to West Ham and he hasn’t hit the ground running.
“It’s difficult. He’s not played with any rhythm or confidence and when we now see Mainoo get his opportunity…
“And Gareth over the years he’s a stickler for loyalty and he’s stuck with Kalvin Phillips for a long, long time.
“But the fact Mainoo now is ahead of him in the pecking order it’s impossible for Phillips to get back in.”
Phillips’ career trajectory continues downwards
Finally being left out of the England squad after Southgate stuck by him so many times must have come as a stinging blow to Phillips.
The midfielder was still called up in October and November despite not playing for City but lost his place just before this summer’s tournament.
It’s understandable. Phillips has been unable to recapture any sort of form at West Ham and doesn’t deserve to be in the squad.
When Kobbie Mainoo is performing at such a higher level at his young age it would be negligent to still pick Phillips over him based on nothing but experience.
It’s another new nadir for Phillips but Andros Townsend believes there could still be a way back.
The Luton forward said in response to Sutton’s comments: “I don’t think it’s over yet.
“Kalvin Phillips gets a run of games, a run of form, one or two injuries may see him back in the fold.”