Ashley Cole told ITV Sport on Sunday afternoon that he noticed Leeds United’s Kalvin Phillips was ‘more aggressive’ without the ball for England against Croatia.
The Leeds United academy product produced a Man of the Match performance to help the Three Lions beat the 2018 World Cup runners up 1-0 in their Euro 2020 opener at Wembley.
This was, without a doubt, one of the best performances of Phillips’ career, as the ‘Yorkshire Pirlo’ stole the show despite playing against and with many other stellar names.
Former England defender, Cole, who understands the pressure of big tournament games, delivered his verdict on Phillips.
“I think without the ball, he was definitely more aggressive and on the front foot,” said Cole. “That then resulted in England getting their line up and dictating a bit of play in deeper areas.
“But the timing of his runs, it was critical. In the first half, he went a little too early, which led to Foden having to stay and keep his width and stay wide.
“But the timing of that run, with a little bit of movement, great little jink, beat a player and then the weight of pass was brilliant.”
Made in Yorkshire and delivered on the big Wembley stage, it was certainly a day to remember for Phillips.
Marcelo Bielsa has a huge part to play in his rise because ever since he stepped foot into Elland Road, he has transformed the career of the Englishman.
Phillips probably saw himself as a more attack-minded midfielder during his early years, but Bielsa clearly had other ideas.
But he was able to bring that all together over the weekend and he will be looking to build upon that when Scotland visit Wembley on Friday.
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