Kalvin Phillips off to nightmare West Ham debut after 'hospital pass' in front of England coach

Kalvin Phillips has endured a nightmare start to his West Ham career as he makes his debut against Bournemouth in a Premier League clash on Thursday night, with England assistant Steve Holland in attendance.

The Manchester City loanee was thrown into the action from the start at the London Stadium as the Hammers look to extend a five-game unbeaten run in the top flight. However, the Cherries were in the lead after just three minutes as Dominic Solanke pounced on a Phillips mistake.

The England international wasn't the only one to blame as centre-back Kurt Zouma under-hit a sloppy pass across the backline. Phillips wasn't alert enough to knock the ball out of play with Solanke nicking it off his toes and slotting home.

Speaking at halftime, pundit Aaron McLean said: "It was a nightmare start. I don't think it's helped by Zouma. It's brilliant pressing from Bournemouth. Straight from the start, you see Scott goes and shuts off the pass, Christie goes and puts Phillips under pressure. He has nowhere else to go. The pass is played short and Solanke does what all good strikers do - anticipate there is going to be a mistake."

"It's clearly off of Phillips," Joe Cole added. "I feel from him. Zouma gives him what we call the hospital pass there. It's a terrible start for West Ham."

Phillips, who settled after the early mistake, was also linked with Newcastle United and Crystal Palace this January. After signing for West Ham, he said: “I’m really pleased to be here. There’s always been a lot of speculation about me moving to West Ham, so I’m really excited to get going now.

“There’s so much to look forward to in the second half of the season for the Club and I can’t wait to be part of it. There’s an unbelievable group here and if I can come in and add the quality that I know I’m capable of, I’m sure we can give the West Ham fans plenty to be excited about between now and the end of the season."