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'We're always optimistic': Gareth Southgate admits 'we don't know' if Kalvin Phillips will recover from injury in time to make World Cup squad... but the England boss insists 'it's amazing' what the body can do when a player is 'hungry'

Gareth Southgate has spoken of his fears concerning Kalvin Phillips' fitness ahead of the World Cup.

The Manchester City midfielder withdrew from the current squad with the intention of undergoing shoulder surgery, which leaves him in a race against time to prove his fitness.

'You only have the quality of performances for us and Leeds and the fact that he's now moved to a big club to see his level.

Gareth Southgate is unsure whether Kalvin Phillips will recover from a shoulder injury
Phillips overcame a similar injury last summer

'He had a huge impact when he came into the squad and was a massive part of the run to a European final.