Patrick Vieira has played down the midfield battle between Kalvin Phillips and Conor Gallagher to get a starting spot in Gareth Southgate’s starting XI for England.
The pair of senior internationals are both gunning for a place in the Three Lions side ahead of the FIFA World Cup in Qatar later this year. Phillips, who formed a solid partnership in midfield with West Ham’s Declan Rice at last summer’s European Championship, has had an injury-hit campaign at Elland Road that has opened the door for Gallagher to stake his claim to start.
The 22-year-old - on loan with Crystal Palace from Chelsea - has enjoyed a breakthrough season in south London, earning his first call-up to Southgate’s squad in November and making his debut against San Marino. He followed that up with two more appearances at Wembley in March, featuring in friendlies against Switzerland and Ivory Coast.
