Kalvin Phillips' race to be back fit for the World Cup in Qatar was tight.
Fortunately for the Manchester City midfielder, his 40 minutes during the victory over Chelsea in the Carabao Cup was enough to prove to Gareth Southgate that he has the fitness to compete for England. However, the main challenge now is breaking into the team.
Borussia Dortmund's Jude Bellingham and West Ham United's Declan Rice both have more convincing arguments to be starting against Iran on Monday. Both men have played plenty more games for their respective clubs which is likely to halt Phillips' ambition to be a starter in the World Cup opener.