Leeds United’s Kalvin Phillips has praised West Ham United’s Declan Rice on the Lions Den, which was broadcast on England’s Youtube channel.
Phillips and Rice have begun to form a solid midfield partnership for England now.
It was the Leeds man who took the headlines at the weekend, as he put in a Man of the Match display in the Three Lions’ Euro 2020 opener.
However, Phillips had the freedom to attack, as West Ham’s Rice was given him such quality cover behind.
Rice performed an understated role, but dealt with the likes of Luka Modric and Mateo Kovacic brilliantly.
And Phillips spoke of his admiration for the West Ham man yesterday.
“It’s good. Declan is a great player, he’s very energetic and a great lad,” Phillips said.
“Since I’ve been coming here he’s one of the people that I’ve got on with the most.
“He’s a very friendly guy, he’s doing well and he’s only young – he’s younger than me – and for him to be doing so well at such a young age is unbelievable.
“The game showed that we can play together as well as compete against each other as well.”
Key duo
Rice and Phillips may well have a key role to play over the rest of Euro 2020 now.
Rice is one of the first names on the team sheet for his country, but Phillips’ latest display has helped to cement his place too.
England’s next game comes on Friday evening, when they take on Scotland.
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