Jack Grealish & John Terry send Kalvin Phillips message after England call-up
Leeds United midfielder Kalvin Phillips made history on Tuesday after being called up to the England squad.
The Yorkshire Pirlo became the Whites’ first representative in the Three Lions squad since Alan Smith way back in 2004.
Phillips was delighted with the announcement, and Gareth Southgate admitted he needed more competition in that midfield role.
One of the biggest talking points of the squad was the absence of Aston Villa’s Jack Grealish in the midfield.
Villa fans were fuming after Southgate claimed only one year earlier that their star-man needed Premier League experience before earning a call-up.
Grealish may have been disappointed, but he found time to send a message to Phillips after the Leeds man posted a picture on his personal Instagram account.
“Congrats brother,” he wrote.
John Terry also delivered a message to Phillips, who congratulated the Leeds ace despite their rivalries over the years.
Phillips delivered a message back after learning the news, thanking every last one of his teammates at Elland Road for their help last season.
The Whites midfielder has a great chance of making his debut against either Iceland or Denmark in the Nations League next week.
Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson is injured, and that will have helped with his selection. Outside of that, the only holding midfielders are Harry Winks and Declan Rice.
With the Premier League starting only days after their return from international duty, Southgate will be inclined to rotate his squad – brilliant news for Phillips.
In other Leeds United news, second medical set for Wednesday as Whites agree fee with this Premier League club