Ashley Phillips hoping his short-term Middlesbrough ambitions help his long-term England goal

Middlesbrough defender Ashley Phillips hopes his club's promotion push will help him achieve his long-term dream of playing for the senior England national team. The 21-year-old center-back, signed from Tottenham Hotspur in the summer, is currently on international duty with Lee Carsley's England Under-21 squad alongside Boro teammates Will Lankshear and Amario Cozier-Duberry.

Phillips praised Middlesbrough's squad depth and strong start to the Championship season, highlighting Premier League promotion as the main objective. He noted that observing senior international players at St George's Park provides the benchmark he strives to reach in his career.