Leeds United player Kalvin Phillips' old schoolteacher urges him to achieve Euro 2020 glory ahead of England v Italy

The Leeds United midfielder, 25, has been a breakout star as the Three Lions roared their way to the final, keeping Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson out of the starting line up.

Dubbed the ‘Yorkshire Pirlo’, his all-action displays at the heart of the England midfield have made him a fans favourite.

But Claire Beswick, who taught him at primary school, said Phillips remains grounded and has not let his fame go to his head.

And she can still see the same ‘cheeky smile’ on his face while playing at the Euros as he had when he was a little schoolboy.

She added: “I was watching with friends and got emotional thinking about the fact a child I had taught was on that kind of stage.

“It’s amazing to see. Hopefully he can help the team go that one step further on Sunday.

“If we do it then we’re definitely going to try and get Kalvin back to the school to speak to the kids and show them his medal.”

Ms Beswick taught Phillips when he was a year one pupil at Whingate Primary School in Wortley, which he attended from nursery aged three to the age of 11.

She added: “Kalvin was just the same then as he is now – a happy, laidback, lovely lad.

“He even wears the same cheeky smile on his face. It’s amazing to see that same face years later playing football at such a high level.

“It couldn’t have happened to a better person or family, they’re all wonderful people and that includes Kalvin, he really was lovely.”

Under Marcelo Bielsa, Phillips has been an integral part of Leeds’ promotion push and their eye-catching performances in the Premier League.

The Argentinian’s football philosophy demands high levels of fitness and intensity, but Philips is an integral part of both his hometown club and his country.

And it is no surprise to Ms Beswick, who said Phillips’ sporting talents were obvious even as a youngster.

She added: “He always excelled at sport and it was clear to everyone he had a real talent.

“When he left in year six he won a sports award.

“But the amazing thing about Kalvin is that he’s also a genuinely good person.

“He’s a credit to his family, especially his mum. They’ve clearly all kept him grounded and that’s what makes him so special.

“He hasn’t been overtaken by the fame or celebrity lifestyle, he’s the same lad he always was.”

Ms Beswick, now a co-headteacher at the school, added that the current pupils are awe-inspired by Phillips and the fact he was once of them.

She added: “The kids are unbelievably excited about what’s happening, they’re all running around wearing shirts with his name on the back.

“He’s a great example for them that they can do great things as well, they just need to work hard like Kalvin did.

“He always had a good work ethic, he was never naughty, and that’s something we’re trying to instill in the kids – work hard like Kalvin.”

Support the YEP and become a subscriber today. Enjoy unlimited access to local news and the latest on Leeds United. With a digital subscription, you see fewer ads, enjoy faster load times, and get access to exclusive newsletters and content. Click here to subscribe