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Wales want Tottenham player to switch allegiances from England for World Cup play-off

Wales are hoping to lure young defender Ashley Phillips back across the border with the Tottenham defender coming through England's age grades, despite previously playing for the Welsh

[England U21 star Ashley Phillips is the subject of Welsh interest]

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England U21 star Ashley Phillips is the subject of Welsh interest

Wales are looking to convince Tottenham defender Ashley Phillips that he should pick them ahead of England as the Welsh bid to make another World Cup.

Phillips is yet to even make his Tottenham debut, but has spent the last two years on loan in the Championship with Stoke, where he has made more than 70 appearances. He previously played for Wales at U16 level before swapping his allegiance and advancing through England's age grades.

Phillips was part of Englands U21 squad in November and could also opt for Nigeria, but Wales are looking to win the fight and have been in contact with the player. PA reports that Welsh football bosses are looking convince Phillips that a significant role awaits him if he chooses the Welsh.

If the 20-year-old, who began his career at Blackburn before joining Tottenham in 2023, did opt to return to Wales then he could play a role in their efforts to make the World Cup this summer.

Craig Bellamy's side will face Bosnia and Herzegovina in a semi-final in Cardiff on 26 March. If they are victorious they will host either Italy or Northern Ireland on 31 March - with the reward being a place at the World Cup. The Welsh boss is set to announce his play-off squad on 17 March - which could include Phillips.

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The young defender has continued to make an impression ob those who have seen him up close. Stoke boss Mark Robins previously claimed: I think Ash has got a brilliant future ahead of him. Hes been superb for us."

Phillips may see England's defensive options as a factor in any decision. The last squad named by Thomas Tuchel included the likes of Marc Guehi, Ezri Konsa and Jarell Quansah as centre-halves - all of whom are under 30 with their best days likely ahead of them. Quansah and Charlie Cresswell started for England's U21s in defence when they claimed the Euros last summer.

[Wales boss Craig Bellamy wants to name the young defender in his upcoming squad]

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Wales boss Craig Bellamy wants to name the young defender in his upcoming squad

England have already been able to fend off one home nation's attempts at converting one of their players. Scotland courted Harvey Barnes and made it clear to the Newcastle ace that he would be part of their World Cup efforts if he picked them ahead of the Three Lions.

However Steve Clarke has confirmed that Barnes, who has one England cap from a friendly against Wales in October 2020, chose to push on with his Three Lions ambitions.

He said earlier this year: "It's the perennial question, everybody keeps asking me about it. This time I can say for sure, Harvey's going to concentrate on trying to play for England, he's not going to come to Scotland."

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