"We don't have a natural replacement for Kalvin Philips" - Southgate makes claim after England play out 1-1 draw with Denmark at Euro 2024
England head coach Gareth Southgate opened up about defensive midfielder Kalvin Phillips after their match against Denmark at Euro 2024 on Thursday, June 20. The clash ended in a 1-1 draw at Deutsche Bank Park in Frankfurt.
Kalvin Phillips transferred to Manchester City in 2022 following his eight-season tenure at Leeds United. However, after not playing regularly for Pep Guardiola's side, he joined West Ham United on loan in January 2024 for the remainder of the season and his form has not been up to the mark.
Earlier in March, after Phillips did not make it to the England squad for Euro 2024, Southgate explained his decision (via Eurosport):
"I think he knows exactly what we think of him. A good version of him is an important player for us, and that’s why we’ve supported him as we have. Unfortunately, his form hasn’t been good enough and I’ve spoken to him about that. He understands. He has all the attributes to force his way back in. He just needs to find that rhythm and confidence because there is an outstanding player in there.”
Following the Three Lions' draw against Denmark on Thursday, Southgate mentioned the impact of not having Phillips in the squad (via @FabrizioRomano on X):
"We know we don't have a natural replacement for Kalvin Philips. We're trying different things."
Kalvin Phillips was a part of the Three Lions' squad that ended up as UEFA European Championship runners-up in 2020. He was also named England Men's Player of the Year in 2020–21.
England coach on his team's performance against Denmark at Euro 2024
England opened the scoring against Denmark on Thursday through captain Harry Kane in the 18th minute. However, the lead did not last long for the Three Lions as the Danes netted the equalizer in the 34th minute via midfielder Morten Hjulmand's goal from an assist by Victor Kristiansen. Both sides had their chances in the second half but couldn't find the winner.
Following another below-par performance at Euro 2024, head coach Gareth Southgate said (via the Telegraph):
"I think we have to accept this is the environment we’re in, the environment of winning on the biggest possible stage and if I don’t hit the level that’s needed, then we have to accept what comes our way."
“We know the level has to be higher and can be higher. Maybe the biggest thing is we have to accept the environment around us. We are falling a bit short and, ultimately, that is my responsibility. I am the manager. To achieve extraordinary things, you have to go through some difficult moments.
He added:
"We have to accept that we are in an environment where we have to deliver. We’ve got to walk towards that challenge and I’m intending to walk towards it, whatever the reaction is, I’m not going to avoid going up to the fans at the end of the game."
England are pitted against Slovenia next in Euro 2024 on June 25, at RheinEnergieStadion in Cologne.