Leeds United fans have been shouting from the rooftops about Ben White and Kalvin Phillips this season, suggesting they should be in contention for England duty.
Both have played starring roles in Leeds’ push for promotion this season, and have undoubtedly felt the benefit of being coached by Marcelo Bielsa.
Phillips was seen as a decent player before Bielsa’s arrival, but is now arguably the top holding midfielder outside of the Premier League right now.
Meanwhile, White had been playing in League One and Two with Peterborough United and Newport County. A step up to the Championship was seen as a risk following Pontus Jansson’s exit, but Leeds have seen him thrive.
He will ultimately return to Brighton and Hove Albion this summer, but White has undoubtedly become a star at Elland Road – and both players may go on to the highest level.
England boss Gareth Southgate will always want depth at centre back and in holding midfield, meaning White and Phillips should be on his radar.
Their reputation as Championship players may hold them back, but White could break through with Brighton and Phillips may have a Premier League season under his belt next term.
Now, Southgate has commented on the Leeds duo. Speaking to The Independent, Southgate picked out White and Phillips as two players who could make late runs for the England squad at next summer’s European Championships – and he’s open to them stepping up.
“I’m very conscious there will be a group of around 30 to 35 who have been in and around our squad the past 12-18 months, who will be in the frame, but there will be some guys who come late,” said Southgate.
“We’ve talked about those two (Mason Greenwood and Phil Foden) but it could be a Ben White, who has been on loan at Leeds, or a Kalvin Phillips, that haven’t played Premier League football yet. Those sorts of players could come into the frame. We’re always open to what it looks like,” he added.
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