Louis van Gaal wants Phil Jones to play for England

Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal has admitted that he would like to see Phil Jones get some minutes on the pitch during England's upcoming Euro 2016 qualifiers against Estonia and Lithuania.

The centre-back, who missed the opening few weeks of the season due to mild thrombosis, has made three appearances as a substitute this season.

With that in mind, Van Gaal is keen for the 23-year-old to enhance his "match rhythm" while he is away on international duty.

"I think it's always an honour to play for your country," the Dutchman told MUTV.

"In our build-up of his condition in the games, he needs match rhythm, so I shall be very pleased when he plays for England because that helps him to get minutes for Manchester United. That's important."

Jones has been capped on 17 occasions by the Three Lions, having made his debut against Montenegro in 2011.