Gareth Southgate sends message to Manchester United's Harry Maguire and Man City's Kalvin Phillips

Gareth Southgate has admitted he would prefer to see Manchester United's Harry Maguire and Manchester City's Kalvin Phillips playing for their club sides but has been pleased by their performances for England.

Both Maguire and Phillips have found chances hard to come by recently. United's former captain was stripped of the armband by Erik ten Hag in the summer after barely featuring in the Dutchman's first season at Old Trafford.

City's midfielder has found it tough to get ahead of Rodri who is one of Pep Guardiola's undroppables. Despite this, Southgate has stood by his Three Lions stalwarts and continues to pick them for international duty.

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This decision has led to criticism from some quarters but both men put in stellar performances as England beat Italy to qualify for Euro 2024 thanks to a Harry Kane brace and Marcus Rashford strike.

Speaking to Channel 4 after the game, England's manager spoke about the pair's lack of matches in the Premier League and how it is not hindering their chances with England. Southgate said: "Ideally, we would have everyone playing regularly, but you can see Kalvin, Harry Maguire, the questions have been about them playing at club level but they were both outstanding tonight.

"They are so important for us. Yes, of course we would like to see them playing more, but they are up against very good players at their club. Every time he [Phillips] plays for us he does a fantastic job.

Both United and City will return to Premier League action on Saturday as the international break draws to a close. The Blues will host Brighton and Hove Albion at 3pm while the Reds travel to Sheffield United in