Ian Wright sends emotional Kalvin Phillips message as Mesut Ozil, Marcus Rashford, 'David Brent' and even FIFA hail Leeds United star

Phillips became Leeds United's first England player at a major international tournament for 19 years when lining up in midfield as the Three Lions kicked off their European Championships against Croatia at Wembley.

Phillips started Sunday's Group D opener in centre midfield alongside West Ham's Declan Rice but played the more advanced role of the duo and set up the only goal of the game in the 57th minute.

The 25-year-old stormed into the final third and supplied a perfect through ball for Raheem Sterling who slammed home his finish to give England a 1-0 victory.

Praise for Phillips then arrived from all quarters in the aftermath of Sunday's clash, including even from FIFA who used their official Twitter account to salute the midfielder's progress.

"2020: Playing in the English 2nd tier. 2021: Dazzling at #EURO2020. Even the original Pirlo must have been impressed with the 'The Yorkshire Pirlo' today" read the Tweet.

Phillips is nicknamed the 'Yorkshire Pirlo' in comparison to Italy's former legendary World Cup winning midfielder Andrea Pirlo and another more recent modern day midfielder also took to social media to highlight the talents of the Whites Academy graduate.

Fenerbache's former Arsenal star and World Cup winning Germany midfielder Ozil said: "What a player Kalvin Phillips followed by a gold star.

Television's 'The Office' character David Brent also put out a humorous Tweet to say "Kalvin Phillips did well" whilst former England star Gary Lineker and modern day striker Marcus Rashford also took to their platforms to hail the Whites ace.

"Woooohhhooooo. Superb from Kalvin Phillips and brilliant run and finish from Raheem Sterling," said Lineker.

Rashford, who came on for the final 19 minutes of Sunday's clash, responded to a post from England saying "can we just talk about this guy" with a picture of Phillips by saying: "Immense today Kalvin Phillips."

But the most poignant comment of all came from former England and Arsenal legend Wright who recently met up with Phillips for a feature on BBC One's Football Focus.

Phillips lost his much adored grandmother Val Crosby back in February and 'Granny Val' was deep in Wright's thoughts following the midfielder's display and the full-time whistle at Wembley.

Wright posted a picture of him and Phillips together and said: "Granny Val watching down with the biggest smile. Phenomenal performance."

https://www.yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk/sport/football/leeds-united/gareth-southgate-issues-kalvin-phillips-with-enormous-praise-after-leeds-united-star-excels-for-england-3271405

https://www.yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk/sport/football/leeds-united/modest-kalvin-phillips-reveals-cheeky-raheem-sterling-quip-after-leeds-united-star-sets-up-england-winner-3271381

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