Phil Jones

Philip Anthony "Phil" Jones (born 21 February 1992) is an English footballer, who plays as a defender for Manchester United and the England under-21 national team.

Club career

Blackburn Rovers
Born in Preston, Lancashire, Jones joined Blackburn Rovers youth team in 2002. He 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. Jones made his first Premier League start for Blackburn against Chelsea on 21 March 2010, in a 1–1 draw at Ewood Park.Jones signed a new five-year contract with Blackburn Rovers on 4 May 2010. Jones started the 2010–11 season in midfield, becoming a regular member of the first XI before he sustained a knee injury in a game against West Ham United in December 2010, predicted to keep him from playing for five months.

Manchester United

At the end of the 2010-11 season, Manchester United were reportedly interested in signing Jones. Talks over a transfer stalled briefly after Blackburn demanded more money than the required £16 million that would automatically trigger his release clause.  During this time, Jones traveled to Denmark to represent England at the European Under-21 Championships. However, on 13 June 2011, United confirmed that they had reached an agreement to sign Jones for an undisclosed fee, which would be finalised upon his return from international duty.

International career

Jones had represented the England Under-19 making his debut in the 3–1 win over Turkey on the 17 November 2009.
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 He was substituted in the 46th minute, having been replaced by Liverpool's Martin Kelly.