Three reasons Kalvin Phillips can establish himself as England’s holding midfielder

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Kalvin Phillips got his first England call-up this week, ahead of the Nations League clashes against Iceland and Denmark.

It might feel a bit soon to say that the uncapped Leeds man can play a starring role for Gareth Southgate at next summer’s European Championship, but that will clearly be his aim.

Southgate obviously rates Phillips too, calling him up before he has even played a Premier League game.

We’ve picked out three reasons Phillips can go on and make that position his own before next summer’s showcase kicks off.

The role is up for grabs

Had the Euros gone ahead as planned this summer, there would have been a serious debate about the identity of England’s holding midfielder.

Declan Rice and Harry Winks would likely have been the standout candidates.

Rice had an impressive campaign for West Ham, but is a converted central defender who has struggled at times at international level.

Is Winks defensively strong enough to anchor a midfield at a major tournament? Jose Mourinho may work on that side of his game, but it remains a major question mark.

Jordan Henderson could be moved back there, like he was at World Cup 2018. But the title-winning captain has resumed his box-to-box role at Liverpool and Southgate would likely prefer to keep him there.

Phillips shouldn’t look at that competition and feel any of his positional rivals are out of his league.

He’s a specialist

As we’ve touched on, each of England’s existing options is a slightly awkward fit.

Rice is possibly the best option at present, but it might be that his future lies at centre half. Chelsea reportedly think so (90 Min).

Phillips has mastered the holding role under Marcelo Bielsa and there is something to be said for England putting square pegs in square holes.

With a season anchoring a Premier League under his belt, Phillips would be a genuine contender at Euro 2021 if he continued to impress.

Leeds’ attacking style

Rice and Winks anchor midfields managed by David Moyes and Jose Mourinho.

Both bosses play a more reactive, defensive style than England.

Bielsa’s Leeds approach is more closely aligned with the high-pressing, front foot approach Southgate has brought to the England setup.

If Phillips does play for England, he’ll be asked to anchor midfield in a flying 4-3-3 system, just as he does at club level. That familiarity could give him an edge.