Phil Jones

Philip Anthony "Phil" Jones (born 21 February 1992) is an English footballer who plays for Manchester United and the England national team. Before joining Manchester United, Jones played for Blackburn Rovers at both youth and senior levels. Although primarily a central defender, he is equally adept as a right back or defensive midfielder.

Jones has represented England at various levels and is currently a member of the England senior squad. He played for the Under-19 team in 2009 before making his debut for the Under-21 team in 2010. He made his debut for the England senior squad on 7 October 2011.

Jones joined the Blackburn Rovers youth team in 2002. He then joined the senior team for the 2009–10 Premier League season, signing a two-year professional contract, and was given the squad number 28. He made his first team debut for Blackburn after starting the League Cup game against Nottingham Forest on 22 September 2009, in which Blackburn won 1–0. Then in February 2010, he signed a new five-year contract that included a £16 million release clause. Jones made his first Premier League start for Blackburn against Chelsea on 21 March, in a 1–1 draw at Ewood Park. In the 2009/2010 season, he made nine league appearances, and three cup appearance.

The 2010/2011 season started in promising fashion with Phil starting in the opening game of the campaign against Everton. Phil Jones came on as a substitute against Manchester United for Blackburn when Man United beat Blackburn 7-1. Unfortunately, a torn knee cartilage injury in a game against West Ham United in December, threatened to rule him out for the remainder of the season. However, on 19 March 2011, he made his return from injury against Blackpool at Ewood Park coming on as a second-half substitute for Brett Emerton in a 2–2 draw. On 2 April 2011, Jones started a first-team match for the first time in four months against Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium, playing the full 90 minutes in a deserved 0–0 draw. Despite his injury, he played 26 league games, and two cup games for Blackburn that season.

At the end of the 2010–11 season, Manchester United were reportedly interested in signing Jones. Sir Alex Ferguson was apparently impressed with Jones' commitment and leadership skills when Jones came on as a sub for Blackburn Rovers in their 7-1 defeat to United. On 13 June 2011, United confirmed that they had reached an agreement to sign Jones on a five-year deal for an undisclosed transfer fee believed to be at least £16.5m; the deal would be finalised upon his return from international duty. He made his debut for the club on the 2011 pre-season tour to the USA, in United's 3–1 victory over Chicago Fire. Jones made his competitive debut for United as a second-half substitute, replacing Rio Ferdinand in the FA Community Shield clash against Manchester City. United were 0–2 behind, but won 3–2 over rivals Manchester City in the 2011 Community Shield. Jones made his league debut a week later, again as a substitute replacing Ferdinand, as United beat West Bromwich Albion 2–1 on the opening weekend. He made his full Premier League debut on 22 August 2011 against Tottenham Hostpur in a 3–0 victory at Old Trafford, playing the entire game alongside Jonny Evans. On 10 September 2011, Jones provided two assists for Wayne Rooney in United's 5-0 thumping of Bolton Wanderers at the Reebok Stadium. He played the entire game at right back and created Rooney's first goal after a quick throw in and pin point cross for Rooney to tap home. Then five minutes later, Jones embarked on a mazy dribble going past numerous Bolton defenders before his shot was blocked by the goalkeeper but followed up by Rooney. Jones made a similar type of run in United's next game at home to Chelsea, when he got into the box and caused panic in the Chelsea defense, before the ball ricocheted to Wayne Rooney to score. United went on to win the game 3–1. Jones started the away game to Liverpool as a box to box midfielder, different from his usual centre-back and full-back positions he was accustomed to.

Jones made his debut for the England under-19 team in the 3–1 win over Turkey on 17 November 2009.He has since appeared a further three times for the under-19s.

On 4 August 2010, Jones was called up to the England under-21 squad. On 10 August, Jones won his first under-21 cap, starting for England against Uzbekistan. He was substituted in the 46th minute and was replaced by Liverpool's Martin Kelly. He was selected for the 2011 U-21 European Championship in Denmark and was made captain by manager Stuart Pearce for the final group stage game against the Czech Republic.

On 5 August 2011, he was called up to the England first-team squad for the friendly against the Netherlands by Fabio Capello. but did not end up playing as the game was cancelled four days later by the FA after the riots in London. On 7 October 2011, He made his debut for the England senior team in a Euro 2012 qualifying 2–2 away draw against Montenegro. After the game, Capello said Jones was "born with talent", and praised his performance