Kalvin Phillips' transfer proves Pep Guardiola's Man City influence on England national team

On Monday morning, Manchester City announced the signing of Kalvin Phillips from Leeds United. The 26-year-old has completed a reported £45million move and will take the number four shirt - previously donned by club captain, Vincent Kompany.

He is also seen as Fernandinho's natural replacement, although he has proven to be capable of playing numerous roles. Brought through the Leeds academy in 2015, Phillips mastered his craft under the tutelage of Marcelo Bielsa - one of Pep Guardiola's closest confidants - and has emerged as one of the finest midfielders in the Premier League.

His addition will bring a lot of energy and intelligence to an already star-studded midfield, but he will also offer the Catalan something totally unique. At one point, City could have up to six England internationals on the field.

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The Blues have always boasted some fine English talent and - even if they did not make it at City - have produced young England players from their academy. Kieran Trippier is one major example; the now-Newcastle star came through the ranks at City, but never made a first-team appearance and ended up making a name for himself at Spurs.

Not long ago, the Blues struggled to push their local talent into international football, but those days are long gone.

Raheem Sterling has formed a deadly partnership with Harry Kane under Gareth Southgate, with Kyle Walker and John Stones often the manager's go-to men in defence. Looking further forward, Jack Grealish and Phil Foden are also starting to feature on a regular basis after a period of impact off the bench.

With Phillips' addition - a key cog in Southgate's midfield - it means six