Gareth Southgate sends transfer message to Man City star Kalvin Phillips

England manager Gareth Southgate admits he "completely understands" why Manchester City midfielder Kalvin Phillips has been unable to command regular game-time at the Etihad Stadium.

Phillips, 27, has only started five matches for the treble-winners in all competitions since his £45million switch to the club from Leeds United last summer. Despite that, the playmaker remains a regular starter for his country and has been named in the latest Three Lions squad.

With qualification for Euro 2024 already rubber-stamped, England are due to take on Malta and North Macedonia this month. Phillips will join up with his international teammates immediately after Premier League champions City meet Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on Sunday afternoon.

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Speculation over Phillips and his future at the Etihad Stadium remains at fever pitch, while the player himself has recently stated that he might soon have a decision to make. When it comes to his keeping England place, though, there is no pressure from Southgate.

Speaking at his latest press conference, the England manager said: "For any player that's not playing football, it's about their careers. England is a consequence of your club, but you also want fulfilment. If you're in training every day then you want to play.

"He's playing with world-class players at his club. I completely understand why he's not getting games."

Southgate, 53, added: "Between him, Pep [Guardiola] and Txiki [Begiristain], I'm sure they'll discuss the best route forward. We know the quality of his play and he was our player of the year a couple of years ago. We'd like him to be in