About Phil
Phil has covered football on regional and national newspapers since the late 80s and has been BBC Sport's Chief Football Writer since July 2000.
He has covered World Cups for the BBC in Japan and South Korea, Germany and South Africa as well as European Championships in France, Portugal and Poland and Ukraine.
Born in Liverpool, Phil attended De La Salle Grammar School which later had England striker Wayne Rooney as its most famous ex-pupil.
Phil's main brief is covering the Premier League, England and the Champions League and he can also be heard giving his analysis on BBC Radio 5 live, Radio Four and the World Service.
He has been included in the UK Press Gazette's list of the top 50 UK sports journalists.