Leeds United and West Ham duo, Kalvin Phillips and Declan Rice, are building quite the partnership in England’s midfield.
Even though England suffered late heartache against Poland on Wednesday night, the duo were once again immense for their country, but it’s no surprise to the supporters.
According to WhoScored, Leeds’ academy star had 78 touches of the ball in their World Cup qualifier and he also made four tackles during the game.
On the other hand, West Ham’s hard-hitting midfielder won three aerial duels against an over-aggressive Polish side and had 84 touches of the ball.
Both played the entire match for the Three Lions, as Gareth Southgate opted against making any substitutions despite being able to make five.
The pass success rate, in a jam-packed and all-action midfield, was also impressive from the two thriving players.
Rice’s pass rate was a tad over 90%, whilst Phillips recorded an 82% pass rate, on top of his four tackles, whereas his partner in crime made two, according to WhoScored.
Either way, since Euro 2020, their stock has risen through the roof and it is still going.
Even though they were playing in their first major tournament this summer, both of them achieved what the likes of Steven Gerrard, Frank Lampard and Paul Scholes couldn’t do during their international careers.
And that’s playing a key role in guiding their country to their first major tournament final since 1966.
Whilst the penalty shoot-out heartache will live long in the memory like Euro 96, one thing is for sure, the belief is there that, with this crop of players, they can get over that dotted line, one day.
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