Gareth Southgate has praised Leeds United midfielder Kalvin Phillips on ITV (9:52pm, March 25, 2021) for his performance against San Marino.
Phillips was in action for England in their 5-0 win against San Marino at Wembley Stadium in London in their opening game of the 2022 World Cup qualifying campaign on Thursday evening.
The 25-year-old had yet another good game for the Three Lions and impressed his manager Southgate.
Southgate said on ITV (9:52pm, March 25, 2021): “Kalvin Phillips, I was really pleased for him. He used the ball well, but his athleticism around the pitch was good.”
How did Kalvin Phillips play for England?
While the likes of Ollie Wakins and Jesse Lingard stole the headlines last night, Phillips went about his job quietly and looked very comfortable in midfield.
Of course, it was ‘only’ San Marino, but the 25-year-old still had to be alert and had to play his best football to show Southgate that he deserves a place in the England squad for the European Championship in the summer of 2021.
Phillips found it easy in midfield against his San Marino counterparts and looked very tidy on the ball.
According to WhoScored, the Leeds midfielder played two key passes, had a pass accuracy of 91.2%, won five headers, took 136 touches, made one tackle, one interception and one clearance, and put in one cross.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
