The 25-year-old has been an ever-present for the Three Lions so far, and Brighton star Adam Lallana is in no doubt as to why that is the case.
Writing in a column for the Times, he said: "Their defensive record has been exemplary so far and it is important not to overlook the role of the holding midfielders in achieving such a solid base.
"It was less than a month ago that we were marvelling at the genius of N'Golo Kante and Jorginho in guiding Chelsea to a Champions League final victory against Manchester City.
"Yet, now with England, it's almost being derided as antiquated and regressive.
"It makes sense to discuss this in the context of of the players who've started the first three matches in the role; Declan Rice and Kalvin Phillips
"With two defensive-minded No 6s in Rice and Phillips the team are compact centrally. Their first instincts are to protect.
"That is a vital mindset and is backed by peripheral vision, awareness and the athleticism to react.
"Being adventurous is not discouraged, but it must be calculated against the responsibility to shield if possession is lost. England have benefited from this.
“These qualities should come to the fore even more now against Germany in the round of 16, with Rice’s ability to break up possession and the robustness of Phillips crucial."
We’ve gathered the best of today’s Premier League rumours below...
1. Burnley open to Tarkowski exit
Burnley are keen to listen to offers for James Tarkowski in a major boost to long-term suitors West Ham. (Football Insider) (Photo by JON SUPER/POOL/AFP via Getty Images) Photo: JON SUPER
2. Albion won't budge over White
Brighton are refusing to budge on their £50million-plus asking price for Ben White after turning down a £45million offer from Arsenal. (The Sun) (Photo by Catherine Ivill/Getty Images) Photo: Catherine Ivill
3. Swansea keen on Dunne
Swansea City have opened talks to sign Burnley defender Jimmy Dunne, with his contract set to expire in the coming days. (Football Insider) (Photo by Peter Powell - Pool/Getty Images) Photo: Pool
4. Nuno wants Coady at Spurs
Nuno Espirito Santo wants Tottenham to pursue Wolves star Conor Coady this summer if he becomes their new manager. (Football Insider) (Photo by Catherine Ivill/Getty Images) Photo: Catherine Ivill
5. Man United close in on Sancho
Manchester United are closing in on the signing of England star Jadon Sancho in an £80million deal. (Mirror) (Photo by Neil Hall - Pool/Getty Images) Photo: Neil Hall - Pool
6. Everton in Romero talks
Everton are in talks to sign Manchester United outcast Sergio Romero. The goalkeeper hasn’t featured for the club since July last year and is set to be released from the club next week. (The Athletic) (Photo by Catherine Ivill/Getty Images) Photo: Catherine Ivill