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Gareth Southgate explains Kalvin Phillips’ England call-up

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Image for Gareth Southgate explains Kalvin Phillips’ England call-up

Kalvin Phillips has been called up into the England squad, with the Leeds United midfielder rewarded for a fine 2019/20.

Leeds haven’t had a representative in the senior England set-up since Alan Smith in 2004, but that’s all changed today.

England have UEFA Nations League games next month in the form of Iceland and Denmark, with Gareth Southgate selecting his squad this afternoon.

Included in there is Phillips, who has been named in the squad alongside a number of fellow Premier League players.

It’s the first international recognition that the 24-year-old has had in his career and comes on the back of Phillips winning the Championship title with Leeds last season.

Southgate has been discussing the selection of Phillips, with the England boss clearly a fan of the work put in by Marcelo Bielsa in developing the midfielder.

He’s a player we’ve watched a lot in the last 12 months, in particular, with Leeds. They’ve had an outstanding way of playing and the position he plays is a position where we need competition for places. The way that he plays the role and the way he’s been coached in the role is clear to see.

Alongside that assessment, Southgate also offered an insight into a conversation held with Phillips, with the Leeds man clearly delighted with the news.

I spoke with him this morning and it was a nice reminder of what it means to somebody to be involved in their first England squad. It’s a proud moment for him, his family and his club.

What a moment for the Yorkshire Pirlo.

Phillips has been outstanding at Elland Road for the last two seasons and this is a proud moment for Leeds United.

Marcelo Bielsa has done some outstanding work with Phillips, as Southgate appears to note, but the midfielder’s dedication is another big factor.

The 24-year-old has put in some serious effort to become the player he is today and nobody can deny him this moment.

A return to the Premier League has opened this door for Phillips and it is, undoubtedly, one of the proudest moments in the club’s recent history.

Well in, Kalvin.  

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Leeds United Season Ticket Holder at Elland Road for over 20 seasons. Currently nestled in N12, but occasionally offering views from the press box. We’ve been through it all together? You bet.