Leeds United midfielder Kalvin Phillips has covered seven kilometres more ground than any other England player at Euro 2020, approaching Sunday’s final with Italy.
The Whites anchor has shone in Gareth Southgate’s side that will compete in the Three Lions’ first European Championship final. Victory over Denmark on Wednesday night sealed England’s route to the Wembley showdown, and their first major final since 1966.
But Phillips has not held the same holding role that he occupies at Elland Road under Marcelo Bielsa. Instead, Southgate has given the 25-year-old the freedom to break up opposition attacks and drive forward with the team.
Phillips has been indispensable for England at Euro 2020, with the Leeds product starting all six fixtures. He has also played to the final whistle in all but the quarter-final with Ukraine, when taken off with 25 minutes to spare and the game already wrapped up at 4-0.
Phillips’ all-action engine room role has also seen the Leeds-born star emerge in a class of his own among the England squad in one area. UEFA data from the tournament shows the midfielder has covered seven kilometres more ground than any other Three Lions player.
The Whites enforcer has covered a total of 67.3km at the tournament, only trailing Spain’s Pedri (76.1km) and Italy’s Jorginho (72.3km). And Phillips could overtake them on Sunday, with Pedri the more likely one in reach after Italy beat Spain to progress to the final.
Harry Kane is the nearest Englishman to Phillips for distance covered at 60.1km. The Tottenham striker has also only featured for 16 minutes less than the midfielder.
Leeds may fear Phillips burning out with England
Phillips has been a sensation at Euro 2020 and played a big role in England reaching the final with Italy. His form also forced Ashley Cole to admit he was wrong about the Leeds star on ITV after the semi-final, as “he’s been tremendous” and is “integral in this England team”.
But Leeds may fear Phillips burning out with England having covered so much ground on route to the final. Bielsa rarely afforded the 25-year-old a rest in the Premier League last season outside of spells on the sidelines injured.
The Elland Road outfit also struggled for results when without their academy graduate. In the eight games Phillips missed last term, Leeds only won twice and lost the rest. They also lost at home to Brighton in January whilst without the midfielder due to suspension.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
