Kalvin Phillips stayed to watch Italy lift EURO 2020 trophy
Leeds United midfielder Kalvin Phillips stayed on the Wembley turf to watch Italy lift the EURO 2020 trophy last night.
The Yorkshire Pirlo played a pivotal role for England throughout the tournament but fell at the last hurdle.
Despite taking the lead in the opening two minutes, the Three Lions went on to lose in typical fashion on penalties.
Most of the England squad disappeared down the tunnel after the defeat, but Phillips stayed to watch the delight of the opposition team.
The Independent journalist Miguel Delaney shared what he spotted on his personal Twitter account, with senior star Jordan Henderson also staying behind.
“Kalvin Phillips and Jordan Henderson stay to watch Italy lift the trophy,” he wrote.
Heartbreak.
Despite that awful end to the tournament, we couldn’t be any prouder of Phillips and the rest of the squad.
The Yorkshire Pirlo captured the hearts of the nation though, with his humble approach matched with his pure ability.
After Bukayo Saka missed the decisive penalty, it was Phillips running to console him as the Italian’s celebrated.
The video of him kissing his medal also highlighted how proud he was of his own efforts, and he deserves that, especially given his progression in the past three years.
This isn’t the end for Phillips and England, with all eyes now firmly set on the World Cup next year, with the urge for silverware bigger than ever.
Who knows? Watching this could have motivated the Leeds star more than ever, and it could be him lifting the World Cup next year, fingers crossed.
Bring it on.
In other Leeds United news, Stan Collymore drops major Kalvin Phillips claim in late-night Twitter post