'I love him' - Glenn Hoddle blown away by Leeds United player, Rio Ferdinand echoes praise

The Elland Road favourite has enjoyed a stellar debut campaign in the Premier League, and has gone on to establish himself as a regular fixture of Gareth Southgate’s England squad in recent months.

With this summer’s European Championships just around the corner, the 25-year-old is in real contention for a spot in the Three Lions’ plans, and Hoddle has argued that is exemplary range of passing makes his inclusion a no-brainer.

In a feature for BT Sport, the Tottenham Hotspur legend picked his 26-man squad alongside Rio Ferdinand and Joe Cole, and made it clear just how highly he thinks of the Leeds ace.

He said: “I love him.

"What we said about [Declan] Rice becoming a better passer forward, this kid’s already got it.

"That balance would be interesting. I wouldn’t mind playing both of them in there.

"I’d be happy with it if [Jordan] Henderson isn’t fit.”

Former Whites defender Ferdinand was quick to echo Hoddle’s sentiments.

He said: "I like Phillips, I really like him.

"I watched him the other day again closely against Manchester United. I thought he was all-action, all over the pitch, and he’s unfazed.

"He’s come into the Premier League and hit the ground running, put the England shirt on, not a problem.”

Hoddle responded: "He’s brave in his passing too. If he sees it, he’ll hit it.”

So far, Phillips has made seven appearances in an England shirt.