Leeds United's England midfielder Kalvin Phillips sharing his Yorkshire Tea with Chelsea star and learning from Tottenham leader

Leeds United star Kalvin Phillips is using the chance to be around England captain Harry Kane to add a new strength to his game.
LEEDS LION - Leeds United midfielder Kalvin Phillips is now in his third England camp and earned his fifth cap last night against San Marino. Pic: GettyLEEDS LION - Leeds United midfielder Kalvin Phillips is now in his third England camp and earned his fifth cap last night against San Marino. Pic: Getty
LEEDS LION - Leeds United midfielder Kalvin Phillips is now in his third England camp and earned his fifth cap last night against San Marino. Pic: Getty

The 25-year-old earned his fifth Three Lions cap in last night's 5-0 World Cup Qualifying win over San Marino at Wembley.

This is his third England camp and he's feeling more at home in the international squad, making friends with the aid of his Yorkshire Tea supply.

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"The first time I came was quite nerve-wracking but now I've got to know everyone really well," he told MOTDx.

"Reece James was saying he's forgotten his tea bags so I was going to lend him a few to keep him happy and prepared over the week."

The England call up came during an emotional period for Phillips, who lost his grandmother midway through February. Earlier this week the family said their goodbyes to 'Granny Val' who played a huge part in Phillips' life and became a popular figure with the Leeds United fanbase.

Phillips, who missed the November internationals through a shoulder problem, is determined to make her proud and appreciates Southgate showing moral support.

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"I missed out on the last camp, it was just getting my performances back up to a level where it would still keep me in [Gareth Southgate's] thoughts," said Phillips.

"He's a very normal person, asks how you are and with what's gone on in my family he's asked how they've been. I'm missing a loved one but I know she's always looking over me. You've just got to do everything you can to make her proud."

Last night's performance would have done just that. Phillips helped control the game, albeit against minnows, and was singled out for praise by the England boss at full-time.

Games against Albania and Poland will complete this latest international involvement and Phillips is determined to return to Thorp Arch a better player for it, with the help of the top Premier League talent he's training with in Southgate's set-up.

"I learn off everyone," he said.

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"You see players like [Marcus] Rashford and Jesse Lingaard. Even Harry Kane being a bit more of a leader. I don't think I'm too good at it at the minute but hopefully I can start to get good at it with a few more games under my belt."