GARETH SOUTHGATE claims England are struggling without Kalvin Phillips in midfield.
The manager has started right-back Trent Alexander-Arnold in the centre of the pitch in the 1-0 win over Serbia and 1-1 draw with Denmark.
But his decision to play the Liverpool star out of position has been questioned after an underwhelming team performance against the Danes.
He was hooked off just 54 minutes into the game as recognised midfielder Conor Gallagher came on.
After the final whistle, Southgate said the team's drab displays have been partly down to difficulty pressing and keeping the ball.
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And on whether the new role for Alexander-Arnold is working, he added: "He's had some moments where he has delivered what we thought he would.
"We know it is an experiment - we don't have a natural replacement for Kalvin Phillips - but we are trying some different things.
"At the moment, we are not flowing as we would like, that's for sure."
On subbing on Gallagher, Southgate explained: "I wanted to get Conor on, we needed some energy to press better and Conor does that very well."
Phillips failed to make the England squad after struggling for minutes at Manchester City and failing to impress during a nightmare loan spell at West Ham.
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But before his drop in form, the 28-year-old was a key man for his country and one of the team's stars at Euro 2020 as the Three Lions made the final.
Phillips has 31 caps for England but has not represented his country since November 2023.
Southgate also opted not to select stalwart Jordan Henderson for the Euros - instead giving youngster Kobbie Mainoo and Adam Wharton a place on the plane.
The Manchester United wonderkid, 19, played four minutes against Serbia and the Crystal Palace ace, 20, is yet to come off the bench.
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