Gareth Southgate received a significant boost before naming his England squad for the World Cup on Thursday when Pep Guardiola revealed that Kalvin Phillips is set to be one of Manchester City’s substitutes in Wednesday’s Carabao Cup game with Chelsea.
Southgate was at the Etihad Stadium to watch City defeat Fulham 2-1 thanks to a stoppage-time penalty from substitute Erling Haaland.
After the game, Guardiola issued the surprise – and positive – update about one of the England manager’s favourite midfielders.
“Next game v Chelsea . . . I make some news: he will be on the bench,” Guardiola said. “Kalvin is much, much better.”
Earlier in the autumn, Phillips underwent surgery on his shoulder after suffering several dislocations, putting his World Cup hopes in