ENGLAND MIDFIELDER PHILLIPS IS PREPARED FOR THE FRANCE GAME IF NECESSARY

Declan Rice returned to practice on Thursday and is now prepared for the Three Lions’ quarterfinal match against France on Saturday, delaying the World Cup debut of England midfielder Kalvin Phillips.

Phillips was anticipated to play a defensive midfield role at the World Cup after playing every game at Euro 2020 and assisting England to the final, where they lost to Italy on penalties, but has yet to get off the bench due to a chronic shoulder issue.

The 27-year-old Manchester City midfielder has worked arduously to restore his fitness and declared himself ready to go if called upon. Despite the injury, manager Gareth Southgate chose to select Phillips in his Qatar team.

Phillips told reporters, “Yeah (I’m ready), but I feel Dec is fit, he’s back in training, and he’s OK. “I’ll be there if something goes wrong, and I’ll try to stay in shape for 90 minutes. I want to play for as long as I can.

We’ll try our best whether Dec or I are playing, regardless.

Although Phillips is anxious to play, he acknowledged that it would be difficult to start ahead of Rice, Bellingham, and Henderson, who have all excelled in the midfield.

A France team captained by the raging Kylian Mbappe will give the three a tough time.

The three midfielders who have been participating have been performing incredible, according to Phillips. “I would want to participate in the game, but they have performed so well thus far and have achieved success.

“Anyone who is called upon will be prepared for the challenge and will go above and beyond to ensure the team’s success.

“We must consider how to thwart him (Mbappe), as well as Olivier Giroud and Antoine Griezmann.

We have been developing strategies to stop the entire team.

According to Phillips, England was overjoyed to learn that striker Raheem Sterling will re-join the group in time for their Saturday match against France.