Leeds United legend Eddie Gray salutes Kalvin Phillips' England call

LEEDS United legend Eddie Gray says Kalvin Phillips' England call is a reward for the Whites midfielder's sheer hard work.
By Lee Sobot
Published 26th Aug 2020, 16:35 BST
Updated 26th Aug 2020, 16:36 BST
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Phillips looks set to become United's first England international since Alan Smith represented the Three Lions in March 2004 with the 23-year-old having been named in boss Gareth Southgate's 24-man squad for next month's Nations League games against Iceland and Denmark.

For Scotland, legendary former Whites winger Gray knew just what representing your country meant and the 72-year-old former Whites winger is thrilled with Phillips’ Three Lions call.

“The boy deserves it,” Gray told the YEP.

HARD WORKER: Kalvin Phillips in front of Leeds United's fans back when supporters were allowed into stadiums following the victory against Huddersfield Town in March for which Phillips was injured. Picture by Jonathan Gawthorpe.HARD WORKER: Kalvin Phillips in front of Leeds United's fans back when supporters were allowed into stadiums following the victory against Huddersfield Town in March for which Phillips was injured. Picture by Jonathan Gawthorpe.
HARD WORKER: Kalvin Phillips in front of Leeds United's fans back when supporters were allowed into stadiums following the victory against Huddersfield Town in March for which Phillips was injured. Picture by Jonathan Gawthorpe.
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“He has worked hard for it and he’s got his reward. I am delighted for him.

"It’s always nice to see players getting recognition and he’s got his recognition for the performances he has put on for the football club. He thoroughly deserves it.”

Assessing just what representing your country meant, Gray said: “It means a lot and especially for Kalvin.

“But I think the thing about it that has obviously helped Kalvin is Leeds United getting into the Premier League as well.

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"Gareth watched him a few times last year and he was probably on the fringe.

“But it makes it a bit easier that he’s a Premier League player now.

"He thoroughly deserves it and I am delighted for him and for the club as well.”

England will play Iceland in Reykjavik in a 5pm kick-off on Saturday, September 5 and then tackle Denmark in Copenhagen in a 7.45pm kick-off on Tuesday, September 8.

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Thank you Laura Collins

Related topics:Kalvin PhillipsGareth SouthgateAlan SmithEnglandDenmark