Gareth Southgate reflects on Leeds United midfielder Kalvin Phillips' England call

GARETH Southgate said Kalvin Phillips was coming into the England squad in an area where the Three Lions needed competition for places after the midfielder bagged his first international call.
Watch more of our videos on Shots! 
and live on Freeview channel 276
Visit Shots! now

Phillips has been included in Southgate's 24-man squad for next month's Nations League games against Iceland and Denmark after a stellar season in the holding midfield role for Marcelo Bielsa's Championship-winning Whites.

If selected, Phillips would become United's first England player since Alan Smith represented the Three Lions in 2004.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

"I think he's a player we have watched a lot in the last 12 months in particular with Leeds," said England boss Southgate.

ENGLAND CALL: For Kalvin Phillips. Photo by George Wood/Getty Images.ENGLAND CALL: For Kalvin Phillips. Photo by George Wood/Getty Images.
ENGLAND CALL: For Kalvin Phillips. Photo by George Wood/Getty Images.

"I think they have had an outstanding way of playing, the position he plays is a position where we need competition for places and the way that he plays the role and the way that he has been coached in the role is clear to see.

"It's an exciting moment for him.

"I spoke to him this morning which was a nice reminder what it means to somebody to be in their first England squad and it's a proud moment for him, his family and his club."

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Leeds has a fantastic story to tell - and the Yorkshire Evening Post has been rooted firmly at the heart of telling the stories of our city since 1890.

We believe in ourselves and hope you believe in us too. We need your support to help ensure we can continue to be at the heart of life in Leeds.

Subscribe to our website and enjoy unlimited access to local news and information online and on our app.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

With a digital subscription, you can read more than 5 articles, see fewer ads, enjoy faster load times, and get access to exclusive newsletters and content.

Click here to subscribe.

For more details on our newspaper subscription offers click here.

Thank you Laura Collins

Comment Guidelines

National World encourages reader discussion on our stories. User feedback, insights and back-and-forth exchanges add a rich layer of context to reporting. Please review our Community Guidelines before commenting.