Man City midfielder Kalvin Phillips sends message to Pep Guardiola after England beat Italy

Midfielder Kalvin Phillips blamed his underwhelming performance in England in Tuesday night's 3-1 win over Italy on a lack of minutes for Manchester City so far this season and that he might soon have to 'make a decision'.

The Three Lions came from behind to beat Luciano Spalletti's side 3-1 at Wembley and secure qualification for next summer's European Championship in Germany. After falling a goal behind after just 15 minutes, courtesy of former West Ham United striker Gianluca Scamacca's first goal for his country, Gareth Southgate's troops came roaring back.

Harry Kane brought them level from the penalty spot, before scoring his second with just over 10 minutes of normal time remaining on the other side of a blistering finish from Marcus Rashford. England were dominant from pretty much the first whistle, securing a fully merited victory.

READ MORE: Pep Guardiola knows Brighton truth for City amid referee scrutiny

READ MORE: City have a major Kevin De Bruyne question to answer

Boss Southgate mixed things up after Friday's slender 1-0 win over Australia, reverting to a more familiar-looking line-up, featuring his tried and tested stars, such as Jordan Pickford and Jude Bellingham. There was also a place for Phillips, who supported Declan Rice at the base of the midfield.

Southgate has kept faith in Phillips, despite his lack of opportunities for City since making the move to the Etihad Stadium in July 2022. He has made just 26 appearances for the club so far, only five of which have been this season.

His lack of minutes at club-level shone through, with the defensive-midfielder looking rusty and off the pace. He was also guilty of losing the ball and committing a reckless foul in the opening exchanges, before