Wales want Tottenham star to switch allegiance from England ahead of World Cup play-off | OneFootball

Wales are actively pursuing Tottenham Hotspur defender Ashley Phillips, hoping to convince him to commit his international future to them over England.

Phillips, born in Salford with a Welsh mother, previously represented Wales at under-16 level before progressing through England’s youth ranks.

The 20-year-old centre-back began his career at Blackburn Rovers before joining Tottenham in August 2023. He was named on the first-team bench eight times last season but is yet to make his senior debut for Spurs.

Currently, Phillips is on loan at Stoke City, where he has accumulated over 70 appearances across two spells for the Championship side.

Despite being part of England’s U21 squad in November and also qualifying for Nigeria, the Press Association understands that Welsh football authorities have initiated contact with Phillips. They aim to persuade him that a significant role awaits him within the Welsh national team setup.

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Ashley Phillips (centre) is currently on loan at Stoke City (Action Images via Reuters)

This approach comes as Wales prepare for crucial World Cup play-off action this month.

They face Bosnia and Herzegovina in a semi-final in Cardiff on 26 March. Should they win, they will host either Italy or Northern Ireland on 31 March, with a place at this summer’s World Cup in Canada, Mexico, and the United States at stake.

Manager Craig Bellamy is set to announce his play-off squad on 17 March, and Phillips would be included if he accepts Wales’ offer.

The timing is particularly pertinent given Wales’ current defensive injury concerns, with captain Ben Davies sidelined after breaking his ankle in January and West Brom centre-back Chris Mepham also out for over a month with a hamstring issue.

Wales have only ever qualified for the World Cup on two occasions, in 1958 and 2022.

They are on the brink of qualifying for a third time, and could have Phillips in their ranks to bolster their chances later this month.