Kalvin Phillips says he's 'optimistic' about his World Cup chances after returning to Manchester City... but admits he has 'doubts' about missing out on the England squad after an injury-plagued start to the season
On Wednesday, Kalvin Phillips returned to the field after being out for nearly two months.
He hasn't played much this season in preparation for the World Cup due to injury.
Phillips is 'optimistic' about going to Qatar now that he is fit again.
He does, however, have some 'concerns' about being left out of the squad.
After returning from injury to play in Manchester City's 2-0 Carabao Cup win over Chelsea on Wednesday, Kalvin Phillips is 'optimistic' about making England's World Cup squad.
Phillips started all seven of England's Euro 2016 matches and was later named the 2021 England men's player of the year.
He has had an injury-plagued 2022, however, and has yet to start a game for Manchester City this season after missing nearly two months with a shoulder injury. Phillips hopes he has done enough to make the plane for Qatar now that he is back from surgery, but admits there is no guarantee he will be chosen by Gareth Southgate.Kalvin Phillips made his Manchester City debut against Chelsea on Wednesday night.
Phillips had an impact on the game as City defeated Chelsea to advance in the Carabao Cup.
Phillips believes he has done enough to make Gareth Southgate's World Cup squad.
'Anything can happen, so I'm optimistic, but with the amount of game time I've had, I know there's always that doubt,' says the player. Phillips stated this in his post-match interview with Sky Sports.
As a second-half substitute, Phillips delivered an assured performance, with City scoring two goals in quick succession shortly after he came on.The 26-year-old admitted to feeling nervous when he was introduced to the action, but his overall feeling was one of relief to be back on the field.
'It was an incredible feeling. With my shoulder injury, there has obviously been some concern about me. It's been a while, but I'm just glad to get back out there and play with the boys,' he added.
'Without playing football for a while, it's going to be nerve-racking when you first step onto the pitch, especially for one of my first appearances for the club, so it felt good, but the two goals that went in straight away made it a lot easier.'
Phillips required an operation in order to keep his World.Phillips' World Cup spot has been called into question following an injury-plagued start to the season.
His shoulder has been bothering him for some time, but he is relieved to have it fixed and believes he can now give City and England his all.
'It was challenging. When I first learned that I needed the surgery, everything went out the window.
'I didn't feel great about the situation at first, but I wanted to make sure I was always positive, and I'm back in shape now, so hopefully I've got a chance.''My injuries and stuff, I haven't really been playing at 100% because of my shoulder, and now that I've sorted that out, I can finally get back to what I was before, and hopefully better, with all the coaching from Pep and the staff here.' I'm optimistic, and hopefully it's helped me.'
Phillips won't have to wait long to find out if he'll be going to the World Cup, as Southgate is set to name his 26-man squad on Thursday afternoon.
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