KEVIN Phillips is struggling to establish himself in the England team - but he's good enough for Brazil!

The Sunderland striker would be certain of a place in the Samba set-up, according to his team-mate Emerson Thome.

The Brazilian defender even compared Phillips to Romario in a remarkable tribute to the 14-goal frontman.

"Kevin Phillips is a superstar," said Thome in the wake of the striker's two-goal performance in Sunderland's 4-2 win at Crystal Palace.

"I know Brazil have always had great strikers, but he's definitely good enough to play for my country. He would be in the Brazilian squad.

"I think he looks a lot like Romario, who's a great finisher. When Romario gets a chance he scores and Kevin is the same.

"I face him in training and I know that he's a very clever player. Sometimes he seems to be out of the game, then he gets the ball and it's a goal.

"You have to concentrate 100 per cent against him. If you take your eyes off him, you've had it. That's what makes him so special.

"But he also works very hard and gives everything for the team."

While Phillips waits to discover if he will be in Sven-Goran Eriksson's first England line-up, Thome urged the new coach to give the striker an extended run in the team.

"No player can show everything in just one game," said the Brazilian.

"It's a big stage in front of the whole world, so you've got to care about the player and give him support.

"It won't just happen in one international - he needs time - but I could see a partnership with somebody like Emile Heskey working well."

Thome also added his voice to the chorus calling for an England chance for two other Sunderland stars.

He said: "Michael Gray is doing a great job. He's a top-class left-sided player and is doing a good job.

"Gavin McCann is also having an excellent season after recovering from injury and looks like a really good prospect."

Thome, who has never won a cap, has also emerged as an influential figure in Sunderland's successful season following his move from Chelsea in September.

He said: "It's never easy when you move to a new club, but I'm really enjoying life here.

"You don't know if they will accept you, so I've tried to show my passion and character.

"We may not have many big names, but the balance is right. Nobody can say our position in the table is a fluke when you look at the teams we've beaten.

"We are in second place on merit. We are a team with great commitment and big respect for each other.

"Everybody works really hard and that makes us a strong side. We can qualify for Europe if we don't have a bad run of injuries."

Sunderland are destined to set another crowd record at Sunday's Premiership clash against Bradford City at the Stadium of Light.

All the tickets have been sold and the attendance will beat the record of 47,742, according to chairman Bob Murray.

Murray said yesterday: "We have had a fantastic response to this game.