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‘It’s frustrating’ – Man City player makes admission over manager treatment at World Cup

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Kalvin Phillips was fortunate to make England’s World Cup squad due to his fitness woes and lack of playing time for Manchester City this season, but Gareth Southgate has given the 27-year-old opportunities from the bench.

Phillips, who has represented the Three Lions on 25 occassions, was an unused substitute in England’s 6-2 win over Iran on November 21 and 0-0 draw with USA on November 25 as Declan Rice and Jude Bellingham started in midfield while Jordan Henderson was preferred from the bench.

Phillips was given 32 minutes from the bench in the 3-0 win over Wales on November 29 and had eight second-half minutes in the 3-0 win over Senegal on December 4, so he’s now fit enough for selection

The England international isn’t too happy with the bit-part role, however, telling Planet Sport: “In regards to playing at the (World Cup), it’s a little bit frustrating knowing that I’ve not played as many minutes.

“But I just remind myself I’ve come very far to be in this position after the operation and I’m still trying to build up my fitness even now.”

Phillips’ move to City over the summer was meant to solidify his starting place in the England team, but he’s found playing time hard to come by due to stiff competition from Rodri coupled with badly timed injuries.

The 27-year-old has made just four appearances across the board this season, amassing 53 minutes of playing time. So his selection by Southgate was surprising.

In other news, Erling Haaland says he’s ‘raring to go’ when season resumes

Can you name these Man City players from the 2000s? Test your knowledge, take the quiz and challenge your friends and family to beat your score

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He joined from Newcastle in 2000 and left to join FC Sochaux in 2003

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Sports journalist who is an avid football fan, enjoys debunking transfer rumours, loves to write pieces about players out in the cold and takes a large amount of pride getting a predicted XI 100% correct.