Leeds United star Kalvin Phillips praised by Gareth Southgate
Gareth Southgate has been reflecting on Kalvin Phillips’ rise from Leeds United star to key England man.
It has been an incredible year for the 25-year-old who has made 16 England appearances and appears to have formed an unbelievable relationship with Declan Rice in the middle of the park.
Southgate clearly values Phillips very highly and praised the Leeds man after the Three Lions drew 1-1 with Poland [Yorkshire Evening Post].
He said: “He’s been excellent.
“The way he has taken to international football, it hasn’t surprised us because what we’d seen with Leeds, even in the Championship, we felt could convert into our team. We felt he could play an important role with us.”
Phillips is now a key player for England.
Before the EUROs, it could be argued that non-Leeds fans weren’t that convinced by Phillips and perhaps thought that the Three Lions didn’t need him and Rice.
However, he turned in a Man of the Match display against Croatia in which he set up the winner for Raheem Sterling, and England fans were sold from that point onwards [Sky Sports].
Since then, he has become a key player for England, and it is clear that Southgate is a huge fan.
That combination of him and Rice provides the perfect blend of strength, athleticism, and tactical nous.
All of his hard work under Marcelo Bielsa has paid off, and now he is an international star.
Of course, Leeds fans already knew how good he was, but now the whole country knows as well, and we expect Phillips to be a key part of this England side for many years to come.
In other Leeds United news, Phil Hay speaks out amid ongoing situation at Elland Road.