Leeds United fans have been reacting to some footage of Kalvin Phillips’ interview with England, as he recalls how it felt to be called up to the senior squad.
The 24-year-old earned a call-up to Gareth Southgate’s squad for the upcoming UEFA Nations League fixtures against Iceland and Denmark (per The FA). The midfielder was a regular for Marcelo Bielsa’s side last season, as they secured the Championship title to ensure that they will be playing Premier League football during the 2020/21 campaign.
The Englishman made 37 appearances in the Championship, contributing two goals and two assists, which saw him average a superb 7.22/10 rating, which was enough to see him rated as Leeds’ joint-second-best player across the season (per WhoScored). Following his call-up, he was interviewed on the official England YouTube channel, while a clip from the interview was later shared on Twitter, with the 24-year-old looking delighted as he describes the moment he received the call from Gareth Southgate.
Did Phillips deserve his England call-up?
Yes
No
Reaction from Leeds fans to the footage of Phillips can be seen in the tweets below.
That’s why he’s loved so much at Leeds. Humble, hardworking, ever smiling. Proud of you KP. MOT
— Tomi Oladipo (@Tomi_Oladipo) September 3, 2020
This is amazing. He’s been through some tough times at Leeds but he’s never given up. Seeing his journey through out his career I feel like a proud parent ?
— Barney V2 PREM (@barney___21) September 2, 2020
Honestly, absolutely buzzing for him, like a proud big brother, even I was grinning watching that. I think it’s because he’s one of our own.
Fully deserved and you can see how much it means to him.
— Aaron Morphew (@AaronMFenero) September 2, 2020
Plenty of Leeds fans commented with their support for the midfielder.
“He’s magic you know Phillips the Yorkshire Pirlo” pic.twitter.com/tyFC6Rs3im
— Helen Walker ? (@hellsbelles92) September 2, 2020
A legend in the making. Seen Kalvin grow as a player.
My bro knew him from his academy days and said he would be a class player.— Wayne Holmes (@foofighter07) September 2, 2020
So humble just like Bielsa, enjoy it KP cause you fully deserve it. Future England star in the making #mot
— Matt (@Matt27Lawson) September 2, 2020
Overall, it seems clear that the majority of Leeds fans enjoyed the footage of Phillips and feel he fully deserved the call-up to the England squad.