Midfielder Kalvin Phillips blamed his underwhelming performance in England in Tuesday night's 3-1 win over Italy on a lack of minutes for Manchester City so far this season and that he might soon have to 'make a decision'.

The Three Lions came from behind to beat Luciano Spalletti's side 3-1 at Wembley and secure qualification for next summer's European Championship in Germany. After falling a goal behind after just 15 minutes, courtesy of former West Ham United striker Gianluca Scamacca's first goal for his country, Gareth Southgate's troops came roaring back.

Harry Kane brought them level from the penalty spot, before scoring his second with just over 10 minutes of normal time remaining on the other side of a blistering finish from Marcus Rashford. England were dominant from pretty much the first whistle, securing a fully merited victory.

Boss Southgate mixed things up after Friday's slender 1-0 win over Australia, reverting to a more familiar-looking line-up, featuring his tried and tested stars, such as Jordan Pickford and Jude Bellingham. There was also a place for Phillips, who supported Declan Rice at the base of the midfield.

Southgate has kept faith in Phillips, despite his lack of opportunities for City since making the move to the Etihad Stadium in July 2022. He has made just 26 appearances for the club so far, only five of which have been this season.

His lack of minutes at club-level shone through, with the defensive-midfielder looking rusty and off the pace. He was also guilty of losing the ball and committing a reckless foul in the opening exchanges, before being booked after just nine minutes.

He was also lucky to escape a second yellow for another poorly timed challenge, forcing him to admit that he was "quite fortunate" not to have been dismissed. A red card would have marked the first of his England career.

Phillips, speaking to Channel 4 post-match, said: "It is probably the lack of minutes at club level and leaving a sloppy leg out.

"I was quite fortunate in the end not to get sent-off - luckily, the referee didn't pull it back. But, it's football, and it's the type of player I am, and I just have to be careful with some of the challenges I make.

"As a football player, you want to be playing, and that is the same with me - I want to be playing as much as possible. I haven't done that over the last year-and-a-half, and it's something I want to do.

"To come into an England game and start, I did it against Scotland and was perfectly fine, but I always try and make sure I am ready for what comes."

He added later: "I want to play football and want to play as much as possible. "Over the last year-and-a-half I haven't been able to do that due to injuries and [other factors]. It's something I am going to have to think about.

"Hopefully my chance does come but if it doesn't then I will have to make other decisions as well."