Manchester City have seen more from Kalvin Phillips in an England shirt this season than they have their sky blue jersey, but the stage is set for him to belatedly show his true colours at the Etihad Stadium after making a timely impression during the international break.
Gareth Southgate sprang a minor surprise when including Phillips in his starting XI against Italy. His fondness for the player is clear, but City manager Pep Guardiola has only jotted the former Leeds United man down on his team sheet twice in the last eight months.
In that same timeframe - even without regular World Cup action - Phillips has started three times for England and his role against the Italians was telling. Despite rustiness and selection concerns in his day job, Phillips was trusted in what was, beyond question, the single most important Euro 2024 qualifier.
