Raheem Sterling told BBC Sport that West Ham and Leeds duo, Declan Rice and Kalvin Phillips, were ‘class’ for England at Euro 2020 today.
England booked their quarter-final place when they beat Germany 2-0 at Wembley for the first time in a knockout game, well, since any of us were probably alive.
Gareth Southgate opted to play three at the back, which meant a two-man midfield of Leeds and West Ham United’s defensive tanks.
And even though both were booked during the game, it was a disciplined and defensively strong performance from the two.
Toni Kroos was supposed to be a major threat for England, but both Rice and Phillips shut him up throughout the game, as Sterling was left wowed by his two teammates.
“The two boys in midfield, Declan and Phillips, they were class,” said Sterling.
“They ate up ground and they were just animals in there. It was a great team performance.”
Many questioned whether Phillips and Rice could play together for their country, but they are proving their worth at this tournament.
Four games. Four clean sheets. And the duo have started every single one of those games.
Yes, there may have been question marks after that Scotland match, but when it has mattered the most, like against Germany today, then they have stepped up and walked the walk.
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