‘He’s had his time – Exclusive: Phillips doesn’t see West Brom ace earning int’l call-up
We’re delighted to welcome former West Brom striker Kevin Phillips as our exclusive columnist. Each week he’ll be giving his views on the biggest talking points at The Hawthorns…
Kevin Phillips does not believe that West Brom midfielder Jake Livermore will be in contention for a call-up to the England squad for Euro 2021.
Last month, UEFA made the decision to postpone the European Championships by a year due to the coronavirus pandemic, handing players a chance to potentially get an extra season under their belt before Gareth Southgate names his England squad.
In West Brom’s case, it could mean that they’ll get a season in the Premier League before Euro 2021, handing their players more of a chance of earning call-ups.
Livermore, 30, is a seven-times England international who has already been used by Southgate and has been in the form of his career this season at The Hawthorns.
Jonathan Greening, speaking to the Express & Star, has recently tipped the ex-Tottenham midfielder to play his way back into the England squad if he continues his form in the Premier League with the Baggies.
However Phillips, a former team-mate of Greening’s, disagrees and believes Leeds United midfielder Kalvin Phillips stands more of a chance due to him being far younger.
When asked if he sees Livermore being in the running for England in 2021, Phillips told West Brom News: “No, I don’t see that happening. He’s had his time for England.
“Never say never because Gareth’s already shown that no matter what age you age, if you’re performing week in, week out in Europe’s top league – the Premier League – then he’s shown he’ll give you an opportunity.
“But over the last 10-12 months, he’s tended to go down the route of calling up younger players. He’s building an England squad that is very young.
“Nevertheless you do need that bit of experience. If Leeds come up and West Brom come up then Gareth would probably go down the option of calling up Kalvin Phillips than Jake Livermore. Unfortunately, that age gap will go against Jake, to be honest.
“He’s certainly had his chance with England and he’s very lucky, like me, to have gotten those England caps – you’re very proud to have them.”
Phillips is probably right but it does not mean that Livermore won’t be in contention.
England do not have the best pool of defensive midfielders to choose from. Declan Rice and Eric Dier have been poor this season while Jordan Henderson is used more centrally by Southgate.
Leeds’ Phillips is definitely someone who Southgate will consider and Livermore could be in the mix if he plays well in the Premier League next season – if he can help Albion get there.
In other West Brom news, Albion’s turnover plunged by £54million after relegation.