Kalvin Phillips makes Declan Rice declaration as Leeds United star reflects on advanced England role

LEEDS United midfielder Kalvin Phillips says he is "honoured" to play alongside Declan Rice in the England side and is thriving in his advanced role for the Three Lions.
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Phillips, Rice and Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson are England boss Gareth Southgate's three main holding midfielder options but Phillips lined up in a more advanced role as the Three Lions began Euro 2020 with victory against Croatia.

Henderson has been recovering from a groin injury and Rice was deployed as the central defensive midfielder against Croatia as Phillips played further forward in the middle of the park.

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The Whites star then set up the only goal of the game for Raheem Sterling in a 1-0 victory and was named England's man of the match.

'LICENCE': Provided by Declan Rice, above, for Leeds United star Kalvin Phillips in the England midfield. Photo by Andy Rain - Pool/Getty Images.'LICENCE': Provided by Declan Rice, above, for Leeds United star Kalvin Phillips in the England midfield. Photo by Andy Rain - Pool/Getty Images.
'LICENCE': Provided by Declan Rice, above, for Leeds United star Kalvin Phillips in the England midfield. Photo by Andy Rain - Pool/Getty Images.

The Three Lions will take in their second game of the Euros when facing Scotland at Wembley on Friday night.

Phillips told BBC Sport: "I love playing with Declan.

"I love playing in that role where I have a little bit of licence to go forward and I know that Declan is behind me backing me up if I ever get beat.

"There's a lot of talk about me and Declan fighting for a position but I think when you look at it and we play together I think we play really well together.

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"It's an honour playing with Declan and obviously the rest of the team as well."

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