England midfielder Kalvin Phillips met the criticism received by his coach Gareth Southgate for the conservative system he has implemented in the team.
The English team has only scored two goals in the three games they have played. One against Croatia and one against the Czech Republic and drew without goals against Scotland. However, none have fit. “Gareth wants us to attack, to score goals and to have initiative both when we have the ball and when we don't have it,” said the Leeds United player. “I know that everyone says that Gareth was a defender and that his teams are defensive. If you look at our trajectory in the last three games we have not conceded a goal and that is good,” recalled Kalvin Phillips.
The English player is one of the leaders of Leeds United coached by Argentine Marcelo Bielsa, who is characterized by open, cheerful football that scores goals but also fits.
“In my team, however, we scored five goals and conceded four. I don't know what is better,” said the English footballer, who underlined the importance of not having received any goals in the three games played.
“Keeping a clean sheet is very positive,” Phillips insisted. England, who have won two games and drawn another, face Germany at Wembley on Tuesday in the round of 16 of the European Championship. Southgate's box shows the poor success shown by his attackers, especially by his captain Harry Kane who has not yet managed to score.
“We must have more confidence when we have the ball and take some risks. Me too,” said the Leeds footballer who warns that the scoring drought will end.
“I am sure that as soon as we start to score we will have more facilities to score and we will achieve many more goals,” ventured the English player who assumes his responsibility.
“When I have contact with the ball I have to keep going. At Leeds I am used to playing deep and making long passes. I can do it here too,” assumed Kalvin Phillips.
“I am new to the team and it is true that sometimes it costs me. It seems that I do not want to risk too much and lose some confidence,” he acknowledged. “But at the same time I am in an important tournament and I have to show what I can do. I hope I can do it in the next game,” said the English player who praises the level of Germany.
“All their players are of high level. They have a great midfield, with top footballers, like Kroos, who plays for Real Madrid,” recalled Kalvin Phillips, who is suspicious of Germany's difficulties in the group stage after qualifying. thanks to a late goal against Hungary.
“It's going to be a tough game. We have to focus on what they can do when they have the ball and counteract their game from the start,” said the England midfielder.