'I persuaded him a bit' - Leeds United fan leaves Wembley with Kalvin Phillips' shirt after England beat Czech Republic

A delighted Leeds United fan came away from the Three Lions' win over Czech Republic at Wembley clutching Kalvin Phillips' England shirt.
SPECIAL MEMENTO - Leeds United fan Adam Durnin and his dad Alan came away from Wembley with Kalvin Phillips' England shirt.SPECIAL MEMENTO - Leeds United fan Adam Durnin and his dad Alan came away from Wembley with Kalvin Phillips' England shirt.
SPECIAL MEMENTO - Leeds United fan Adam Durnin and his dad Alan came away from Wembley with Kalvin Phillips' England shirt.

Adam Durnin and his dad Alan, from Selby, follow England home and away and their Leeds United flag was spotted by Phillips at full-time after the 1-0 win for Gareth Southgate's men. After some gentle encouragement, Phillips agreed to part with his number 14 shirt, giving the Durnin's a special memento to cherish.

"I shouted, pestered and persuaded him a bit and he chucked it over," Adam, 41, told the YEP.

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"It's amazing to see a Leeds player playing for England in a major tournament. Great to see some LUFC representation."

Whites' homegrown midfielder Phillips played all 90 minutes for England and is yet to miss a minute of action during the European Championships. He played in an advanced midfield position in the first half and took up the more defensive role he has made his own under Marcelo Bielsa after the break, when Jordan Henderson replaced Declan Rice.

It was his 11th international cap since his September 2020 England debut in the Nations League against Denmark.

The opening group game against Croatia made Phillips the first Leeds United player to start in England's first game of a major international tournament in 19 years.

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His inclusion in Southgate's squad provoked an outpouring of pride and joy from Whites fans that made an impression on the Thorp Arch academy graduate.

"Obviously, when I first got told that I was going to be in the squad, the initial reaction was overwhelmed, very proud and even the messages on social media from Leeds fans, family, not even just Leeds fans, fans from other clubs, it's a really nice feeling and I'm very proud to be in the squad," he said.

Tonight's win guaranteed top spot for the Three Lions in Group D and a last 16 clash with the runners up of Group F, which contains France, Portugal, Germany and Hungary.

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