England enjoyed a 3-0 win over Wales in their final World Cup group game on Tuesday evening, sealing their place in the last-16 as group winners, but Pep Guardiola will be more delighted seeing one of his Manchester City players making their long-awaited return after a lengthy injury.
Kalvin Phillips was a second-half substitute for Declan Rice and played for 32 minutes without issue. The 26-year-old was deployed in a deep-lying midfield role, tasked to keep Wales at bay and to stop attacks forming through Joe Allen and Aaron Ramsey.
With Allen being substituted late on while Ramsey created just one chance in the 90 minutes, Phillips did his job well. He even assisted a goal for good measure, so it was a successful return to the team.
Phillips was fortunate to make the England squad as he’s spent most of the season out with injury, but it’s clear that Gareth Southgate trusts him on the international stage. With only four appearances in all competitions for Man City this season, Phillips is short of match fitness.
Now he’s back and playing well on his return, he’ll be an option at City to Rodri in the second-half of the season.
In other news, Man City transfer boost as director says Noah Okafor could leave
The Vital Network is unique from other football content providers as all the sites are run by the fans, for the fans. We are looking for a writer to join our Manchester City site. If you can write well-constructed, thought-provoking opinion pieces alongside reporting on current events and breaking news then I want to hear from you. Email paddy@snack-media.com.
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