Kalvin Phillips has admitted he expected Jordan Henderson to start for England following his return from injury.
The 31-year-old made his first appearance of Euro 2020 as a half-time substitute in the Three Lions’ final group game against Czech Republic as he was handed his first competitive minutes since February.
In contrast, the Leeds United midfielder has featured in every minute of the European Championships so far.
As a result of the Liverpool captain’s lack of game-time, a number of pundits, including Roy Keane and Gabby Agbonlahor, had questioned his inclusion in Gareth Southgate’s squad, though Phillips is one of a number of players to have spoken publicly about Henderson ’s importance to the camp.
And despite the duo being in competition to start in midfield for England’s round-of-16 clash with Germany, the Leeds man has warned he won’t be giving up his place without a fight.
“Every day I go out and try and do my best,” he told reporters. “Jordan has been training with us for the last two or three weeks so it’s not new to see him coming back in.
“I expected Jordan to come back into the team because he is such a good and vital player for England.
“You know whoever gets the nod, and whoever doesn’t, we’ll be there to support each other and that’s the main thing.
“Hopefully (I’ve done enough). One of my main targets was to play as much as possible in this tournament and to play every minute of the first three games is great for me.
“I don’t want to stop now, I want to carry on going.”
