England manager Gareth Southgate has praised Leeds United midfield ace Kalvin Phillips, citing his excellent form and impact on the national side since making his Three Lions debut.
Gareth Southgate believes that Phillips’ impact on the England squad has been ‘huge’ and is delighted to see him return ahead of two crucial upcoming World Cup qualifiers. The Leeds United midfielder missed the October internationals due to a hip injury, but has been named in Southgate’s camp to face Albania and San Marino this month.
The 25-year old’s re-introduction into the squad will be a boost for the Three Lions after an excellent Euro 2020 campaign alongside West Ham’s Declan Rice in a two-man midfield, helping Southgate’s side reach the final before losing to Italy on penalties. He has made a real difference to the side since his first cap against Denmark last September, impressing with his energy and dynamism from central midfield and Southgate is pleased to see him back available.
Will Kalvin Phillips still be a Leeds United player at the start of next season?
Yes
No
“It’s just over a calendar year since he first played for us and his contribution and impact on the team has been huge,” the England boss said. “We are always keen to have our best players available and he’s certainly been in that category over the past 12 months.”
Following on Southgate’s comments, Leeds fans have taken to Twitter to give their thoughts on the England manager’s comments on the midfielder ace.
What did these Leeds fans make of Southgate’s Phillips comments?
“Things you love to see”
@ConnorMOT92
“So happy for @Kalvinphillips that he gets the deserved recognition, plays football the @LUFC way, full of passion and quality”
@Lufcmuslims
“He’s just magic you know”
@HarryMerrell_
“England poty for a reason”
@harrymc71652458
“Kalvin is absolute world class alongside Dec, everyone here in Leeds are cheering you on, so proud of Kalv, let’s hear you roar”
@SakuraEdenRose1
“Love it”
Having recently returned to full fitness, Phillips started his first Premier League game for almost a month in the Whites’ 2-1 win over Norwich City last Sunday after playing 90 minutes in the Carabao Cup defeat at Arsenal.
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Phillips and England take on Albania in their first game of the international break at Wembley on Friday, November 12, before travelling to San Marino four days later. England currently sit at the top of Group I, ahead of Poland, and require four points to automatically seal their place in next year’s Qatar tournament.
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