Former Leeds United midfielder Carlton Palmer has told This Is Futbol that he was shocked to hear that Kalvin Phillips had won the England Player of the Year award.
Phillips beat the likes of captain Harry Kane and Raheem Sterling to the accolade, the latter Palmer feels should have won.
The 25-year-old played a key role in England’s run to the Euro 2020 final, starting in all seven of the Three Lions’ games.
Was Phillips your England player of the year?
Yes
No
Overall, it was a good year for Phillips, who only made his England debut in 2020. Even so, Palmer is surprised that the midfielder landed the award.
“I am a little bit shocked at that,” the ex-Leeds player told TIF. “I think Kalvin’s had a fantastic year for club and country – nobody can dispute that.
“I thought he had a great European Championship, but how can you overlook Raheem Sterling’s performances for England? He wasn’t just one of the standout performers for England, he was one of the standout performers in the tournament full stop.
“But whilst I would say my vote would’ve gone to Raheem Sterling, you wouldn’t say it’s not deserved.”
Sterling, who scored three times during the Euros, including in that game against Germany, is more than a fair shout.
Ultimately, England do have some very good players in this moment of time, such as the Manchester City attacker, Kane and Phillips. After coming so close to winning a major honour this summer, England fans will now be hoping the trio and their team-mates can go that one step further in Qatar next year.