England share Kalvin Phillips and Ben White clip as Brighton defender recalls instant Leeds United 'connection'

BEN White says an instant connection with Leeds United's Kalvin Phillips began on his very first day on loan in West Yorkshire.
By Lee Sobot
Published 11th Jun 2021, 17:01 BST
Updated 11th Jun 2021, 17:07 BST
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Brighton defender White and Leeds midfielder Phillips are both part of Gareth Southgate's England squad bidding for glory at this summer's European Championships.

White and Phillips enjoyed a full season together during the 2019-20 Championship campaign which White spent on loan at Leeds and the duo quickly developed a strong friendship.

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The pair then helped Leeds to promotion as Championship champions and United made White their top target of the 2020 summer.

Brighton, though, refused to sell as Leeds saw big-money bids rejected and Phillips and White are now back together with the Three Lions.

As part of their 'Diary Room' feature, England shared footage of the duo joking about on Friday as Phillips ribbed White over the fluorescent yellow colour of his new boots.

"Obviously I have been hanging out with Kalvin a lot," said 23-year-old White.

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"He was the first person to speak to me when I went to Leeds and we got a connection right away.

INSTANT CONNECTION: Between Kalvin Phillips, left, and Ben White, from the very first day of White's loan spell at Leeds United from Brighton. Picture by Bruce Rollinson.INSTANT CONNECTION: Between Kalvin Phillips, left, and Ben White, from the very first day of White's loan spell at Leeds United from Brighton. Picture by Bruce Rollinson.
INSTANT CONNECTION: Between Kalvin Phillips, left, and Ben White, from the very first day of White's loan spell at Leeds United from Brighton. Picture by Bruce Rollinson.

"Obviously it was nice to see him here at England.

"I tried some new boots today and he thought they were a little bit lary so he was having me off."

England will begin their bid for Euros glory on Sunday afternoon with a 2pm kick-off against Croatia at Wembley.

https://www.yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk/sport/football/leeds-united/ryan-edmondson-joins-forces-with-simon-grayson-as-leeds-united-forward-seals-new-loan-move-3270367

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https://www.yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk/sport/football/leeds-united/yorkshire-evening-post-launch-leeds-united-only-digital-subscription-ahead-premier-league-campaign-2967964

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Related topics:Ben WhiteKalvin PhillipsEnglandWest Yorkshire

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