Man City midfielder Kalvin Phillips sent Pep Guardiola a clear message with England performance

Since signing for Manchester City from Leeds United in the summer transfer window, Kalvin Phillips has played the full 90 minutes on just one occasion. It has certainly not been the debut campaign he will have been hoping for, but he is more than capable of proving himself in a blue shirt.

When he arrived at the Etihad Stadium, it was viewed as a good move for both parties. It was a step up in Phillips' career, and Pep Guardiola had gained an England international who looked to have everything required to thrive as part of his City side. The midfielder had impressed with the Whites, but he looked ready for a change - and he got it.

Phillips has missed 11 matches through injury this term, which has seen him make just 13 appearances in all competitions for the reigning Premier League champions. The 27-year-old has made just two starts - none of which have come in the top-flight, or in the Champions League for that matter.

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Given his lack of minutes for City, the England ace has been tentatively linked with a move away. Admittedly, that is highly unlikely to happen, but he certainly needs to find a way to start contributing for the Blues. With that in mind, then, the 90 minutes he managed in England's win over Italy in the first of their two Euro 2024 qualifiers was a step in the right direction.

The former Leeds man started alongside Borussia Dortmund ace Jude Bellingham and West Ham star Declan Rice. The latter opened the scoring for the Three Lions against Roberto Mancini's side, while the in-demand Bellingham once again impressed on his 23rd appearance for his country.

For Phillips, he looked comfortable playing alongside the pair.