Gareth Southgate monitoring three uncapped midfielders ahead of March international break

Kobbie Mainoo is among the candidates who could receive a call-up for the national team

Concerned about Kalvin Phillips’ form, Gareth Southgate is keenly monitoring the play of three untested midfield players heading to their friendly against Brazil and Belgium next month.

Apart from the young player Kobbie Mainoo of Manchester United, Southgate is keeping an eye on James Ward-Prowse of West Ham, nearly two years after he won his final 11 caps, as well as James Garner of Everton and Harrison Reed of Fulham.

Although Phillips hasn’t played much for Manchester City lately, Southgate has stuck with him because the 28-year-old is still an important part of the manager’s plans. However, his results since going on loan to West Ham last month are reason for concern.

After making a mistake that gave Bournemouth a goal three minutes into his West Ham debut, he was benched for their subsequent match against Manchester United.

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After substituting at halftime in Arsenal’s 6-0 thumping of the previous week, Phillips was subsequently booked and sent off in Saturday’s loss at Nottingham Forest.

Along with Declan Rice, Trent Alexander-Arnold, and Jordan Henderson, Southgate included Phillips as among the four holding midfield players in his latest England squad in November. However, the coach is still considering his alternatives in a position where England lacks depth.

In addition to Phillips’ decline in play, Alexander-Arnold’s knee injury, which has prevented him from playing in Sunday’s Carabao Cup final between Liverpool and Chelsea, means that his suitability for next month’s fixtures is uncertain.

Henderson, who is expected to be kept in Southgate’s team despite being jeered by England supporters during his last two Wembley performances against Australia and Malta, may benefit from Southgate’s restricted alternatives.

After advocating for LBGT+ rights, the 33-year-old was criticised by some fans for his supposed hypocrisy in going to Saudi Arabia. However, he returned to Europe last month and is currently playing four straight games for his new team, Ajax.

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