Tottenham defender could change national allegiance to feature at World Cup

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A Tottenham centre-back may have the chance to be at the World Cup this summer after receiving a stunning approach.

17 Tottenham players have already qualified for the World Cup this summer, and more hope to make it to the tournament via the playoffs.

It has now emerged that a 20-year-old Spurs defender, who is yet to make his senior debut for the North London club, may get an unexpected opportunity to travel to North America for the tournament.

This is after another national side approached him regarding changing his allegiance just months before the competition kicks off.

Ashley Phillips Tottenham

Credit: Tom Cusden / @cusden

Tottenham defender Ashley Phillips in talks over representing Wales

Ashley Phillips has made over 70 appearances across two loan spells for Championship club Stoke City, but the young centre-back is yet to feature for the Lilywhites, two-and-a-half years on from signing for the club.

According to BBC Sport, the Blackburn Rovers academy graduate has been approached by Wales over changing his allegiance from England to the Dragons.

Phillips has a Welsh mother and was capped by Wales at U16 level before representing England across other age groups.

Wales first reached out to the 20-year-old back in November, and they remain hopeful of persuading the Spurs youngster to switch his allegiance.

Phillips could replace senior Spurs man in World Cup playoff

Wales face a World Cup playoff semifinal against Bosnia and Herzegovina in Cardiff on 26 March, and have to overcome one of Italy or Northern Ireland in the final to qualify for their showpiece event.

Their captain, Ben Davies, has been ruled out of those matches after picking up a serious ankle injury back in January.

BBC Sport reveal that head coach Craig Bellamy names his squad for the playoffs on March 17, and he is keen to include Phillips in his final list.

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