Man United defender Phil Jones insists competition for places is England's strength

Rory Dollard 09:49 09/06/2018
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  • Phil Jones is pleased with the fact that England’s starting XI is uncertain ahead of the World Cup.

    The Manchester United defender believes it’s a sign of the squad’s strength in depth.

    “Everyone in the 23-man squad wants to play and have done well enough this season to cement a starting place.

    “That is testament to how good the players are in the England set-up. I am sure whoever will go out in the starting XI on the 18th against Tunisia will go out and put on a good performance.

    “I suppose everybody is getting itchy feet and are ready to get on the plane and get out there.”

    Jones will enjoy a couple of precious days with his newborn baby before rejoining England but insists his mind will be on the job at hand once the World Cup campaign begins.

    Jones and wife Kaya welcomed daughter Alaria on May 31 but after being present for the birth he was soon back in thick of Gareth Southgate’s preparations at St George’s Park.

    The Manchester United defender played 90 minutes as England beat Costa Rica at Elland Road and, after spending the weekend back with his growing family, he will be back among his team-mates and on the way to Russia on Tuesday.

    It will be a wrench to leave but with a World Cup to play for, Jones never had any qualms.

    “I can’t wait to get home and see her,” he said of his daughter.

    “Every morning it just gives you a different purpose in life. I know it sounds like a cliche but you don’t realise that until it happens.

    “She is great and my family will always come first but we have got a big tournament to prepare for.

    “My wife knows – they all know – that this is what I do, this is what I enjoy doing and this is the biggest tournament in the world. I will manage it, I will be fine.”

    Family plays a big part in Jones’ life, with father Mark in the stands to watch him at Elland Road and on hand afterwards with a few words of wisdom.

    “He’s my biggest fan. He follows me everywhere up and down the country,” said Jones.

    “He just wants me to go to out to enjoy it. A World Cup does not come round every day and he will be watching from back home for sure.”

    Just eight months ago, Southgate stated during an international break that Jones was the best English defender he had.

    Form and fitness are always liable to shift such judgements, not to mention a tactical switch to a back three, and the 26-year-old currently looks an outsider to make the first XI in Russia.

    The national boss has been coy about naming his preferences in recent weeks but Kyle Walker and John Stones seem nailed on with Gary Cahill and Harry Maguire seemingly scrapping for the last place.

    “It was nice when he said that about me, but football does not stand still and things move on. Hopefully I can keep improving,” he said.

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