There was energy in Kalvin Phillips in the first five minutes of West Ham’s draw against Burnley.
A man who seemed to have a mission, moved through the center of the midfield, trying to close down the rival and get his team up the field.
But when his first pass of the game was missed, frustration set in. He raised his arms in the air as he scolded himself. His eagerness to win the ball back resulted in cheap free kicks.
When he should have committed a foul, he decided to hold back, giving David Datro Fofana time to shoot. Unfortunately for Phillips, the ball flew into the top corner of the net.
From that moment on he seemed to withdraw. He wanted the ball less and was not as lively as in the early stages. Part of that is probably due to a lack of match fitness after spending several months out of the Manchester City squad.
West Ham midfielders Kalvin Phillips (left) and James Ward-Prowse (right) have suffered a recent drop in form.
David Moyes opted to bring both players on at half-time, and West Ham looked better in the second half.
Gareth Southgate will announce his England squad for the upcoming international friendlies in March on Thursday.
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Part of this is due to a lack of trust. It was no surprise to see the midfielder withdrawn at half-time, but he is not the only player in this West Ham side who is lacking form.
James Ward-Prowse was also recalled by boss David Moyes. Ward-Prowse has made a good start in east London, with three assists and two goals in his first four Premier League games. But the midfielder has not looked like himself in recent weeks.
There was a moment against Burnley, when West Ham were losing 1-0, when Mohammed Kudus crossed the ball to the far post. Ward-Prowse was there, ready for a tap-in, but the ball bounced and hit his shin, allowing Burnley to clear.
Ward-Prowse from six months ago probably would have scored.
His set pieces have also been disappointing. It’s been more than a year since he last scored from a free kick, and he’s still one away from equaling David Beckham’s Premier League record.
The 29-year-old’s drop in form coincided with an eight-game winless streak in all competitions earlier in the year, but it is bad timing as Gareth Southgate announces his final squad ahead of this summer’s Euros on Thursday. .
Southgate was at the London Stadium to watch Ward-Prowse and Phillips on Sunday, as well as striker Jarrod Bowen, and it would not be a surprise if only the latter is selected.
Ward-Prowse last played for England in June 2022 and has not been selected for any team since September of the same year. He perhaps should have been called up when his form was through the roof at the start of the season. For his own confidence, maybe he needed to be.
The midfielder admitted last week that international football has been on his mind. Perhaps the idea that, if he can’t get a look when he is at the top of his game, then his chances of being selected during a dip in form seem slim.
Phillips was part of the last camp in November and came off the bench in England’s 2-0 win over Malta. There is an argument that he would perhaps do well to stay at West Ham during the international break to continue working on his fitness. Likewise, he won’t want anyone else to impress you in his absence.
Moyes has confidence in his two players, but his team played better without them against Burnley. That will have to be taken into account ahead of Thursday’s Europa League round of 16 second leg against Freiburg.
There is an argument that Phillips could benefit from staying with West Ham during the upcoming international break.
Meanwhile, Ward-Prowse admitted last week that international football has been at the back of his mind.
Moyes’ team must overcome the 1-0 they lost tonight against Freiburg if they want to reach the quarterfinals of the Europa League.
“They are two really strong English players who have been in the England team for long periods of time,” Moyes said.
“I don’t pick the England team, but you will always be judged by your performances and how you play. There is no doubt, whether you play for West Ham or whoever, you have to play well to be selected for England. Hopefully there will be the possibility that both could be selected”.
Phillips made it clear when he joined West Ham on loan from Manchester City that he had done so for regular football and to maintain his place in the England team.
The midfielder made a mistake on a goal on his debut against Bournemouth and was then sent off for two yellow cards against Nottingham Forest weeks later.
“He needs to put his head down and keep working,” Moyes said. “Things will change for him, I have no doubt about that.”
Phillips’ work ethic appears to have impressed his teammates, but they also recognize how difficult it has been for him trying to catch up after not playing regular competitive football for some time.
“I see him every day, he plays in good shape in the sessions, but it is very difficult for him,” said midfielder Tomas Soucek.
Phillips has had a difficult start at West Ham, making a mistake that led to him scoring a goal on his debut against Bournemouth before being sent off against Nottingham Forest.
It has been more than a year since Ward-Prowse last scored from a free kick, and he remains one year away from equaling David Beckham’s record.
“Because after maybe two years at Manchester City, and for any player who doesn’t play that often, it’s very difficult to play the games.” It’s difficult for him, but we all support him, we are with him. He’s a hard worker, which I like. I like his style and I wish him all the best for the future. He is an important player for us and he is a very good player.”
Speaking after his red card against Forest, Phillips acknowledged that match sharpness would only come from playing regularly.
“I was training with the best team in the world, but the games make you sharpen more.
“You can train all you want, but you’ll never really get fit and ready for the game unless you play, right?”
“I wanted this to be a new beginning, to really put my head down and try.” She hasn’t gone as she would have expected. Everyone can see it.’
Both Ward-Prowse and Phillips will know if they are in the England squad before Thursday’s game against Freiburg.
It remains to be seen whether both players will be called up for England’s upcoming camp, but reports suggest Phillips could miss out.
Phillips’ honesty was admirable and it is clear that he is doing everything he can to get back to his best. But, as he himself admitted, actions speak louder than words.
‘I know football. I have enough experience to know that if I put my head down, grit my teeth, and do the basics right, things will change.
“It’s easy to say, but now I have to do it.”
Both Ward-Prowse and Phillips will know if they are included in the England squad before Thursday’s game. The news may be disappointing, but it could serve as extra motivation on a night when his team has to perform.
The two midfielders are competing for the same position and it seems unlikely that both will be part of Southgate’s €23 squad. However, West Ham need both to step up if they are to continue their European adventure.