Pep Guardiola insists Kalvin Phillips is “ready” for the World Cup, but the Man City midfielder says he is “nervous” about the England squad announcement on Thursday.
After undergoing shoulder surgery two months ago, Phillips returned to the bench for City’s Carabao Cup third round win at home to Chelsea on Wednesday evening.
The former Leeds United midfielder had only played 13 minutes for the Citizens since joining them in the summer transfer window.
He came off the bench against the Blues and featured for 40 minutes, picking up some crucial minutes with Gareth Southgate set to announce his England squad soon.
Phillips played a crucial role in the Three Lions reaching the final of the European Championships last year and is a big favourite of Southgate.
Despite his lack of minutes this term, many believe the 26-year-old will still be called up for the World Cup in Qatar.
He has, however, admitted that he is “nervous” for the squad announcement.
“I’ll be nervous but if it is a positive call I will be very happy. I feel like I have worked very hard to get to this moment. If it happens I will be very happy,” Phillips told BBC Radio 5 Live.
“I feel good.
“After the first ten minutes on the pitch my heart was racing.
“I was just glad to be back out there after seven weeks of hard work to try and push for the World Cup squad and just be back fit in general.
“It is funny, obviously the operation I had is between eight and 12 weeks and eight weeks is bang on the first game of the World Cup. It was a tough decision but one I am happy I made now.”
Phillips added to Sky Sports: “It’s an amazing feeling [to be back]. It’s been a long time. I’m glad to get back out there and play with the lads.
“Without playing for a while, it’s nervewrecking stepping onto the pitch for one of my first appearances for the club. It felt good.
“[It’s been] difficult. When I first found out I needed the operation everything went out the window. I didn’t feel great about the situation. But after a couple of days I always made sure I worked hard. I was always positive. I’m back fit now so hopefully have a chance.
“A couple of days after the operation my thought was to get back into the club and do as much as I could to get fit. I did more sessions than I would have done to get my fitness back.”
On the World Cup, he said: “Not so much [speaking to] Gareth [Southgate]. I spoke to the staff and physios checking on my…
Click Here to Read the Full Original Article at Football365…