England's most-loved: Data proves extent of national affection for Leeds United star Kalvin Phillips

Phillips set up the only goal of the game for Raheem Sterling in last weekend's Group D opener and also took England s official man of the match award.

Consequently, analysis of social media from Bet Victor and sourced via Brandwatch has now uncovered just how warmly England fans have taken to the Yorkshire Pirlo as a result.

In the three days leading up to last Sunday's Euros opener, Phillips was already fairly well-received on social media with 81 per cent of mentions about him containing positive sentiment.

However, the number of mentions was relatively low at 1,655.

But in the three days that followed victory against Croatia, Phillips was not only the most-loved England player with 91 per cent of all mentions positive but also the most-talked about England player with 11,884 total mentions.

Phillips received even more mentions than England's goalscorer Sterling who took UEFA's star of the match award following his winner.

The second most-loved England player on social media was Arsenal star Bukayo Saka, who despite not featuring in England’s opener, saw his positivity rating increase from 72 per cent to 89 per cent.

Another player absent on Sunday was Aston Villa's Jack Grealish who continues to remain popular amongst England fans.

A total of 84 per cent of all mentions of Grealish on social media were positive in the three days after the Croatia game.

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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Thank you Laura Collins