By Charlotte Cohen

18th Oct, 2023 | 8:16am

'Don't take him back Leeds United,' 'Felt sorry for him' - England fans react to Phillips' display v Italy

England fans have been flocking to social media to give their opinion about Kalvin Phillips’ latest performance for England.

Phillips was in the starting lineup for Tuesday’s 3-1 win over Italy and helped them seal a win that secures their place in the Euros next summer.

The Man City midfielder took a booking inside the first ten minutes for a late challenge, evident of a player who has been lacking minutes at club level, and was lucky to avoid a red card.

Gareth Southgate continues to persist with the 27-year-old in his England set up, despite criticism from fans and a lack of minutes for his club.

This season Phillips has made three Premier League appearances for a total of 70 minutes and has not started a single game for the Sky Blues.

Throughout the 2022-23 campaign, Phillips made 21 appearances across all competitions with less than 600 minutes of competitive, first team football under his belt.

Last night’s performance for the Three Lions angered fans about Southgate’s choice but also turned some in Phillips’ favour.

One supporter made their feelings about watching Phillips play for England again very clear:

Another had a rather odd suggestion for a potential alternative to the midfielder at Man City after what he witnessed last night:

Another supporters suggested that Phillips won’t be playing the Premier League again after his display:

One Leeds United fan is hopeful that if that is the case, he won’t be back at Elland Road:

But some were impressed with Phillips, one fan suggesting he is unlucky to be playing beside someone as talented as Jude Bellingham:

Others appreciated Phillips’ ability but insisted he must get more game time at club level if Southgate wants to continue to use him:

In other news, Man City blocked midfielder move after two big developments.