Kalvin Phillips backing himself to make the grade for Leeds United and England if Gareth Southgate makes Three Lions call

Continued stellar displays from the Leeds United midfielder have raised calls for the 23-year-old to be given an international call-up ahead of this summer's European Championships.

England boss Gareth Southgate then sat in the Elland Road stands to preside over Phillips' latest Whites display in last Saturday's 2-0 loss against Championship visitors Sheffield Wednesday.

Ahead of Euro 2020 which begins on Friday, June 12, England will be back in action in March with friendlies at home to Italy on Friday, March 27 and Denmark on Tuesday, March 31.

Phillips insists his primary focus is on concentrating on excelling with Leeds United but the deep-lying midfielder would relish the opportunity to play for his country and is backing himself to have the talent to do so.

"I think it's always an ambition," said Phillips.

"As a young footballer you always want to play for your country.

"It would be a pleasure to play for my country if I did get the chance but I don't think about that every day.

"I think about my job at Leeds United and what I have got to do as a player to get better.

"Obviously it would be an honour to play for my country and there's not really much else I can say about that."

West Ham United's Declan Rice and Tottenham Hotspur's Harry Winks are Southgate's current main choices in the holding midfield role in which Phillips has been excelling for the Whites.

Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson is another option if playing in that role but Phillips believes he has the credentials to fill the position for club and country.

Asked if he felt he was the equal of the players currently playing in the holding midfield role, Phillips said: "It's hard to say because I have not really seen the other players that play for England in that position.

"I feel like I am capable to play for England, it's just whether the management feel that and obviously I have got to do the best I can as a football player to win games and do well personally.

"But for me I don't really think about that right now, I think about the team and how well they are doing."

Southgate, though, as it stands anyway, has yet to pick up the phone even for any initial discussions.

"I've not been in touch with him, I don't know whether they have been in touch with my agent or whatever but I don't really think about that," said Phillips.

"I just think if I play well then maybe I will get the opportunity."