'He's been ridiculous' - Alex Mowatt reflects on England rise of former Leeds United team mate Kalvin Phillips

Yorkshire-born duo Mowatt and Phillips both progressed through the Whites Academy and eventually came together as regular performers for United's first team.

Mowatt was in the Whites XI as Phillips made his Leeds debut at Wolves in April 2015 but Mowatt eventually left United to join Barnsley in January 2017.

Just over four years on, Phillips is now an England regular and Tykes captain Mowatt has been delighted to see his former Whites colleague's rise up the ranks.

Phillips has blossomed under Whites head coach Marcelo Bielsa and promotion with the club into the Premier League has been quickly followed by Phillips becoming a regular starter for Gareth Southgate's Three Lions.

Phillips has already amassed seven caps - and now Mowatt hopes he might even take on his former team mate next season due to Barnsley sitting fifth in the Championship table with eight games left.

"I’m so happy for him,” Mowatt told Sky Sports.

“He’s done unbelievable.

"I think since Bielsa’s came in, he’s been ridiculous and he’s got Leeds promoted as well and then rightly so, he’s been called up to the England squad.

"Every game I’ve watched, I’m buzzing for him and I think he’s done really well in the games as well.

"I think when we were in the Championship obviously it's hard to expect anyone to play in the England team but now he's in the Premier League and he is showing what he can do on a Premier League stage.

"I think he deserves it. Obviously you don't expect it when we are in the Championship but now he is in the Premier League it's a lot different and I think he has done really well."

Asked about thoughts of possibly facing Phillips next season, Mowatt smiled: "It would be nice!

"If Barnsley get promoted it would be massive so we need to take each game as it comes and keep winning games and see what happens."

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Thank you Laura Collins