Sunderland striker Kevin Phillips was pleased with his performance for England against Sweden at the weekend despite not scoring. The Premiership’s top scorer two seasons ago has come under pressure from the media after failing to hit the target for his country so far.

However, when asked if he felt he had done enough to keep his place in the squad, "You would have to ask the manager," replied Philips

"I was delighted to be picked. There was a lot of pressure on me to score but it didn't happen like that. I know that people will judge me on the fact I didn't score. "If I get a run in the side I know that I can score goals, and I was pleased with my all-round play. The World Cup is what everyone is aiming for and I am no different. "But there are two months before the next squad comes around and a lot of games to be played in the Premiership between then and now. We will just have to wait and see what happens.

"That is the best I have played for England and I showed that I can play at international level. I had short notice of playing and I had to quickly get my head around it. I felt sharp and lively and my all-round game was good. People are going to judge me on scoring goals and because I never scored some are probably going to jump on me a little bit.

"But I feel that I did myself justice. I only had half-chances rather than clear-cut ones and definitely feel there are goals in me if I am just given the chances. The main thing is I felt comfortable out there. I feel I've come on bundles since I was last involved. I'm more experienced, I'm more grown up and I've added something to my game." Added Philips