Ian Wright has dismissed Gareth Southgate's claim that England don't have a natural replacement for Kalvin Phillips.
England's unbalanced midfield was again a major issue during the 1-1 draw with Denmark.
After the game, Southgate bizarrely claimed that England are finding it difficult to replace Phillips, whose last appearance for his country came in November 2023.
However, Wright believes that there is one player in Southgate's squad who would be able to perform effectively alongside Declan Rice in midfield.
Wright has called upon Southgate to make alterations to his side ahead of England's final group game against Serbia.
Wright believes that Crystal Palace midfielder Adam Wharton should come in to the England midfield.
Wharton concluded the campaign impressively with Palace after joining from Blackburn in February.
The midfielder, 20, was subsequently named in the England squad and made his international debut during the pre-tournament friendly against Bosnia earlier this month.
Wharton hasn't featured in England's opening two group games against Serbia and Denmark but Wright believes that now is the time for him to be called upon.
Wright also added that Manchester United starlet Kobbie Mainoo is another option for Southgate to consider.
Speaking on ITV Sport, Wright said: 'It's either Kobbie (Mainoo) or Wharton, but I'd probably put Wharton in there simply because he's the closest I've seen to Fabian Ruiz.
'When I've seen him in the last few games for Palace at the end of the season, his calmness. He's calm, he's got a pass.
'He's a very intelligent player and he's somebody that wouldn't panic in this situation. He's been picked in the squad.
'Listening to Gareth, he mentioned about Kalvin Phillips and he's the only one in the country who can play that role, I don't believe that.
'I believe Adam Wharton can play it. I think Kobbie Mainoo can play it as well. You've picked them. Now we're in a situation where it's not desperation because we've got four points, but we're in a place where we need something different, we need to change something.'
Asked about Trent Alexander-Arnold's performance in midfield after mainly playing at right-back for Liverpool, Wright said: 'He's had some moments where he has delivered what we thought he would.
'We know it is an experiment and we don't have a natural replacement for Kalvin Phillips, but we're trying some different things and at the moment we're not flowing as we'd like, that's for sure.'
Phillips has 31 caps for England and played every minute as Southgate's side reached the final of Euro 2020.
However, he fell out of favour after barely playing for Manchester City and then struggling while on loan at West Ham.
Zeeki02
0
bad Palmer is lazy
Oh really
zuhaimpryz
0
gunners
Koyinpsuyz
0
why are you calling arsenal into this ๐๐คฆ
dohcdkpz
0
mention one Liverpool player that has won world cup
msiwela07
0
And because Mainoo plays for united doesnโt make him better than Wharton.
you don't get the point he has played and performed very well for both England and Manchester United youcan't say the same about Wharton .... oooh ok you're just against Manchester United you will be fine
itsdjepic
0
i red and understood everything he was clear about all what he sees from Wharton he openly said he preferred him as the first option to replace TAA. it's his opinion though we are analyzing it
And because Mainoo plays for united doesnโt make him better than Wharton.
msiwela07
0
pls read before comments. He mentioned both players. just don't want coach to give excuse abt philips
my friend i red and understood his opinion and his preferred candidate to replace TAA is Wharton bcoz he talked about his qualities at length yet he said nothing about Mainoo except that the coach may use him if he doesn't use Wharton it's very clear
vakadinp
0
to suggest that Wharton is better than Kobbie Mainoo is absurd. These are the same guys who merely campaigned for TAA to be deployed in the mid ahead of natural midfielders because they're against certain players from rival clubs. with these biased soccer legends giving Southgate their opinions England is bound to fail in their quest to win the trophy
pls read before comments. He mentioned both players. just don't want coach to give excuse abt philips
zapbcdmops
2
South gate the man is totally confused
Joyaepyz
0
The english are completely silenced after their draw last night and similiar play in first Euro match. They are too much hyped with their english man, over rated southgate. Now, see their fate despite one of the strongest squad in the world. ๐
we never wanted southgate I cant believe hes our coach
Galenfootball
2
thisishayzed
0
Heโs sellable but Mainoo is not. Difference.
๐๐๐
Diwdeilmry
1
this England Ex football talk too much they think the know too much Rio an Neville want the coach to play mainoo meanwhile wright got his own player finally who should the coach listen very funny set of people at times I wonder if England is the only country with ex footballers
lewadpsyz
1
How's it ๐
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bad Palmer is lazy
UEFAchampions
1
England is not for football they are only full of useless overated players and coaches
The players are not overrated, rather the tactics and the coach are overrated
msiwela07
0
Try to read and understand before commenting. He never said Wharton was better than Mainoo. He only said either one of them can replace Kalvin Philips.
i red and understood everything he was clear about all what he sees from Wharton he openly said he preferred him as the first option to replace TAA. it's his opinion though we are analyzing it
zazalopstu
0
How's it ๐
misabcdenp
1
England is not for football they are only full of useless overated players and coaches
itsdjepic
1
to suggest that Wharton is better than Kobbie Mainoo is absurd. These are the same guys who merely campaigned for TAA to be deployed in the mid ahead of natural midfielders because they're against certain players from rival clubs. with these biased soccer legends giving Southgate their opinions England is bound to fail in their quest to win the trophy
Try to read and understand before commenting. He never said Wharton was better than Mainoo. He only said either one of them can replace Kalvin Philips.
fescikmouy
5
Philips is alive healthy and England keep on looking for his replacement..
Nutbcinory
1
Today go and play Austria to win Poland and France to score Netherlands
Nutbcinory
0
I played Denmark vs england full time Draw. And collect my money.
yaccdkmnt
0
The english are completely silenced after their draw last night and similiar play in first Euro match. They are too much hyped with their english man, over rated southgate. Now, see their fate despite one of the strongest squad in the world. ๐
Mepbclmnpy
0
this tournament have more energetic athletes in it. if u play kane, foden who I know are very good but this time round aren't seen in matches for more than 70 minutes you will be punished.
poybcdlpuy
2
As long as Arsenal players are in the squad England will always be a bottle fc no cap [Crylaugh][Crylaugh] They always bottle everything [Crylaugh]
momdelo
0
he said he would choose wharton over mainoo at this moment. that's who HE would pick
miguelbumba
1
Please read the article well before you comment, wright didn't say Wharton is better than mainoo but a callding to my understanding he mean Wharton or mainoo can play well on that position
That's exactly what Wrighty said.. According to my understanding as well..
cukbeklry
2
he is not saying Wharton is better than manoo , but both can play better in that position than than tta
Agala1800
1
Canโt agree more with Wright that Wharton is a much better choice. In fact any one is better than Phillips. Or even I would call upon again Henderson to fit in the position rather than taking the risk to use Phillips. Maybe it is time for the three lions to find another coach, with broader vision and shaper eyesight in football.
England will start to win sensible things when they stop appointing coaches from England.
Agala1800
1
stfu Adam Wharton is better. He only came in January from Blackburn and now Bayern Munich is bidding for him and you're there at the comfort of your God damned keyboard saying BS.
Heโs sellable but Mainoo is not. Difference.
Tnzkid7
2
this team will make Southgate coach of the tournament
runbdiklr
2
Please read the article well before you comment, wright didn't say Wharton is better than mainoo but a callding to my understanding he mean Wharton or mainoo can play well on that position
Seeabdipty
1
Useless comment from a useless fan of a useless club
Assnal is the most useless club in tha world
ruedmnrtz
1
Mainoo is better than Wharton
Wharton is the only natural 6 in England squad mainoo and Rice are better suited as 8
Perceptive
1
agreed ๐ฏ. this team is lacking the stability of Henderson. they now realise how crucial he was. since he dropped him England is disjointed
they don't respect Henderson, now they're lacking his energy to win the ball in the midfield, no one is running after the ball like Henderson does, no Pressing
Cukaknort
3
England team with out this Dude can't do wonder.
msiwela07
0
to suggest that Wharton is better than Kobbie Mainoo is absurd. These are the same guys who merely campaigned for TAA to be deployed in the mid ahead of natural midfielders because they're against certain players from rival clubs. with these biased soccer legends giving Southgate their opinions England is bound to fail in their quest to win the trophy
he's better on what exactly compared to Mainoo? Baryen won't buy him it's just over hyping from the English media
udosenkemsy
2
England at it again, very disappointing performance. try this lineups
Vaecimprst
0
couldn't hide the bitterness in him, so Wharton is better than Mainoo? Assnal legends still pained they went trophyless
Useless comment from a useless fan of a useless club
thisishayzed
0
to suggest that Wharton is better than Kobbie Mainoo is absurd. These are the same guys who merely campaigned for TAA to be deployed in the mid ahead of natural midfielders because they're against certain players from rival clubs. with these biased soccer legends giving Southgate their opinions England is bound to fail in their quest to win the trophy
stfu Adam Wharton is better. He only came in January from Blackburn and now Bayern Munich is bidding for him and you're there at the comfort of your God damned keyboard saying BS.
thisishayzed
1
Nonsense, Philips can't even get into England second eleven team if I'm to select players, I would pick Henderson instead. Southgate must be high
Phillips couldn't get in because he had no playing time throughout the season, doesn't mean he isn't good. He wouldn't have playing time in city cos Rodri is obviously better option for Pep. Don't just talk blindly. You'll leave Adam Wharton, Conor Gallagher and then go Henderson lmao ๐๐๐
thisishayzed
1
Mainoo is better than Wharton
for Man Utd and not 3 lions
RedzwanZoraeMUTD
3
Mainoo is better than Wharton
Jukacmnpy
0
He need to start this team
[image]
Very right bro even if it means Eze or Palmer in a place of Gordon it still makes sense
Jukacmnpy
0
very right bro. Even if it means Eze/Palmer in a place of Gordon it isn't but still
Premliga12
1
couldn't hide the bitterness in him, so Wharton is better than Mainoo? Assnal legends still pained they went trophyless
Can you re-read the article? Maybe you'll understand his statement. You seem to have not
Saka7
0
couldn't hide the bitterness in him, so Wharton is better than Mainoo? Assnal legends still pained they went trophyless
go back to school to comprehend
Yisaemnpru
1
Nonsense, Philips can't even get into England second eleven team if I'm to select players, I would pick Henderson instead. Southgate must be high
agreed ๐ฏ. this team is lacking the stability of Henderson. they now realise how crucial he was. since he dropped him England is disjointed
icezicco
1
Nonsense, Philips can't even get into England second eleven team if I'm to select players, I would pick Henderson instead. Southgate must be high
msiwela07
3
to suggest that Wharton is better than Kobbie Mainoo is absurd. These are the same guys who merely campaigned for TAA to be deployed in the mid ahead of natural midfielders because they're against certain players from rival clubs. with these biased soccer legends giving Southgate their opinions England is bound to fail in their quest to win the trophy