WALES want Tottenham defender Ashley Phillips to switch allegiances.
, 20, represented England U21s last November but has a Welsh mother.
Wales chiefs are hoping that Ashley Phillips will switch international allegiances from EnglandCredit: Getty
Craig Bellamy wants Phillips to step in for some injured starsCredit: Getty
Now the on-loan centre-back is at the centre of a tug-of-war over his international future.
‘ approach for comes ahead of their bid when they face Bosnia in a play-off semi-final in Cardiff on March 26.
Boss is already without defender following ankle surgery while ‘s Chris Mepham has a hamstring injury.
Phillips played for Wales at under-16 level before progressing through England’s youth ranks and making four appearances for the under-21s.
The defender joined Tottenham from in August 2023 but has yet to make his senior debut despite being named on the bench eight times last season.
Phillips, who also qualifies for Nigeria, was in ‘s junior Lions squad in November for matches against Republic of Ireland and Slovakia.
He has made 31 appearances for 15th placed Stoke this season.
Bellamy is due to name his Welsh squad for the play-offs on March 17 and, if Phillips accepts the offer, he is expected to be included.
If Wales overcome Bosnia, Bellamy’s men will also host Italy or Northern Ireland on March 31 for a spot at this summer’s tournament in USA, Canada and Mexico.
Discussing the play-off meeting last month, the Wales boss explained: “I’ve watched a lot of their games, and I have to be impressed.
“It will be a tough game. Their physicality is exceptional, they’re disciplined, well coached and they’re experienced.
“They have a lot of quality. They get behind the ball very quickly. In transition, they’re exceptional. One of the better teams in Europe.
“They always end up with an effort on goal, so we have to be aware of that. There’s a lot of complications about the game, but there has to be.
“This is the play-offs to go to a World Cup, so we have to expect that.
“Can we be the best-prepared team in those two games? I look forward to these games with a lot of excitement, but I don’t lose where the focus is.
“It would be great to actually prepare a team for that type of tournament, but all we can do is be at our best. If someone’s better than us, then not a problem, I can take that every time. But they’re going to have to be good.”
Eze Chidiebere Paul
I'm dedicated to creating high-quality content that informs, inspires, and delights. If you have any questions or suggestions, don't hesitate to get in touch. Happy reading!
