Gareth Southgate came in for a lot of criticism after selecting Kalvin Phillips in England’s World Cup squad and was made to defend the decision, suggesting Phillips was too important to leave out despite his lack of playing time for Manchester City and fitness woes this season.
And while completely fair to say the 26-year-old was fortunate to make the squad given he’s spent most of the campaign injured, his lack of defeats in an England shirt highlights why Southgate is staying loyal to him.
England v Iran: What will the outcome be?
England to win
Draw
Iran to win
Phillips has made 23 caps for the Three Lions, boasting 13 wins and six draws in 90 minutes. He’s started 20 games for the Three Lions and has only lost once in 90 minutes in the last two years.
This may not be a coincidence either as there was no English midfielder that turned over the ball in the Premier League more than Phillips in 2021/22 (2.7 tackles per game and 1.2 interceptions).
So England will win back possession much more frequently with Phillips in the side than without him, helping them dominate the ball and bettering their chances of getting a result as they’re defending less.
In the 12 games Phillips has missed since his first call up, the Three Lions have lost two and drawn two. When he starts, they seldom lose, so Southgate must have that in mind.
In other news, John Stones should start against Iran after playing every Euro 2020 game
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