Gareth Southgate’s Kalvin Phillips claim rubbished by Ian Wright as Arsenal legend identifies England star who could easily replace Manchester City midfielder

England were held to a frustrating 1-1 draw against Denmark on Thursday evening, as the Three Lions looked slow, sloppy and disconnected throughout.

The talking points after the result have largely been around Trent Alexander-Arnold, who was substituted just after half-time, and his midfield role. “He’s had some moments where he has delivered what we thought he would,” Southgate said on the performance from the Liverpool star.

“We know it is an experiment – we don’t have a natural replacement for Kalvin Phillips – but we are trying some different things.

“At the moment, we are not flowing as we would like, that’s for sure.”

Speaking on ITV, Wright responded to Southgate’s claims about Phillips, where he said: “It’s either Kobbie (Mainoo) or Wharton, but I’d probably put Wharton in there simply because he’s the closest I’ve seen to Fabian Ruiz.

“When I’ve seen him in the last few games for Palace at the end of the season, his calmness. He’s calm, he’s got a pass.

“He’s a very intelligent player and he’s somebody that wouldn’t panic in this situation. He’s been picked in the squad.

“Listening to Gareth, he mentioned about Kalvin Phillips and he’s the only one in the country who can play that role, I don’t believe that.

“I believe Adam Wharton can play it. I think Kobbie Mainoo can play it as well. You’ve picked them. Now we’re in a situation where it’s not desperation because we’ve got four points, but we’re in a place where we need something different, we need to change something.”

As previously noted, England will now look ahead to the final group-stage fixture against Slovenia on Tuesday. Southgate’s side currently tops Group C with four points from the opening two games but will be eager to secure all three points to solidify their position.

Whether or not Wharton does come in for Alexander-Arnold, remains to be seen.