Rob Green told BBC Radio 5 Live Sport that Kalvin Phillips was playing like his ‘old days of Leeds’ for England on Sunday.
The Three Lions recorded a 2-0 win against Albania during their World Cup qualifier, with the Leeds anchor man playing in a midfield three, alongside another defensive-mind in Declan Rice.
As a result, Phillips was then allowed the licence to express himself rather than sit back, protect, and feed the more advanced players in his team.
And former England shot-stopper Green thinks Phillips ‘enjoyed himself’ in what was a more advanced role.
“I think he has done well,” said Green. “I think he has enjoyed himself. Once he has been given the license to go forward, to go press high when you haven’t got the ball and drive forward when you have got it.
“It’s like going back to his old days of Leeds rather than the success he has recently. Or sitting in front of the back four as a quarterback.
“Just going forward and bombing on. And I think he enjoyed himself.”
In truth, playing both Phillips and Rice isn’t seemingly working for England because it’s not getting the best out of either duo.
Phillips, in particular, is used to playing as a single pivot and if Gareth Southgate wants a midfield three then he should pick either one of Phillips and Rice, rather than both.
That way, England fans will see the best out of the rising Leeds number six, who works at his best when he sits back and allows the game to flow in front of him.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
