And after starting for England in Tuesday's 3-1 win against Italy, he said: "I know that I need to be playing games and competing every weekend.

"I'm going to have to make a decision on [my future] over the next months."

Despite a lack of game time at club level since his £45 move in July 2022, the 27-year-old has retained the faith of England manager Gareth Southgate. He started in Tuesday's Euro 2024 qualifier against Italy as the Three Lions won 3-1 and booked their place at next summer's competition with two games to spare.

He was replaced by Jordan Henderson after 69 minutes against the Azzurri, but admitted he was "quite fortunate" to avoid a red card. Having already been shown a yellow card in the ninth minute he escaped further punishment after catching Nicolo Barella with a late challenge in the second half.

Phillips also picked up some minutes from the bench as England beat Australia 1-0 in a friendly at Wembley on Friday.

"He [Gareth Southgate] just says that for me to keep my spot I have to be playing games," Phillips added.

"That's what I want to do. I have agreed with Gareth on that."

In contrast, Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola was critical of Phillips at times during his debut season, suggesting the midfielder was "overweight" after he returned from duty with England at the 2022 World Cup.

Phillips started only two games in the Premier League last term - featuring for just 290 minutes across 12 appearances in the top flight, while he turned out 21 times across all competitions as City won the Treble.

He was expected to get a run in the side this campaign after Rodri was handed a three-game ban following a red card in the 2-0 victory against Nottingham Forest in September, however, Phillips only started once during that sequence as City lost 1-0 against Newcastle in the Carabao Cup.

Phillips added: "I want to play football and want to play as much as possible.

"Over the last year and a half I haven't been able to do that due to injuries and [other factors]. It's something I am going to have to think about.

"Hopefully my chance does come but if it doesn't then I will have to make other decisions as well."