Roy Keane has praised Kalvin Phillips for his performances at Leeds United - and believes he could deputise for Jordan Henderson this summer.
The Whites midfielder has started both of England's matches over the international break, registering his fifth and sixth caps for his country.
Phillips was named alongside Declan Rice in a full-strength England line-up against Albania, boosting his hopes of featuring at this summer's delayed European Championships.
With Henderson facing a race to be fit in time for the tournament after groin surgery, Keane believes Phillips could play an important role for England.
"There has been pressure on him (Rice) at West Ham to lead," Keane told ITV Sport.
"He's been captain of West Ham since Noble has been left out, he's shown he can deal with that. If Jordan (Henderson) is fit for the summer, he'll be involved.
"I think Rice has shown the maturity over the last 12 to 18 months he can deal with the responsibility, it's an important position in the middle of the park, the spine of the team. I think there would be no problem adding extra responsibility on him.
"It would be Phillips (if Henderson isn't fit) at the moment. He's playing week-in, week-out for Leeds, not challenging for titles, but they're a newly-promoted team. He's matured well.
"He looks a fit lad and I've heard really good things about him. It's a nice problem for Gareth (Southgate) to have."
Gareth Southgate admitted that Liverpool captain Henderson is unlikely to be fully match-fit for this summer's competition, which could open the door for Phillips.
"In terms of promises, we can only say that Hendo himself is very optimistic about how the operation went and the prognosis that the specialist has given him as to what is possible," Southgate said ahead of England vs Albania.
"We are conscious that with any injury of that nature, there is a guide and a time defined - but that anything can happen along the way.
"We know it's going to be close to the end of the season and we will just have to see how it goes.
"He will give himself every chance of being available. And, of course, we also know he is likely to be a bit short of match minutes in high-level games.
"There are a lot of things to take into consideration but, at the moment, that is a decision that is a few weeks away."
