Leeds United midfielder Kalvin Phillips shone as England opened their Euro 2020 campaign on Sunday.
Former Arsenal and England striker Ian Wright showered heaps of praise on Phillips following his impressive performance.
Granny Val watching down with the biggest smile @Kalvinphillips ❤️ Phenomenal performance 🏴👏🏾👏🏾 @England @LUFC pic.twitter.com/gHlLxLnAmG
— Ian Wright (@IanWright0) June 13, 2021
Former England goalkeeper, David Seaman, has also praised the 25-year-old midfielder on Twitter.
Yesssssssz!!!!! #goal Yorkshire Pirlo Assist!!! #eng #EnglandvsCroatia #EURO2020
— David Seaman (@thedavidseaman) June 13, 2021
Gareth Southgate’s side controlled the game well, but there weren’t enough clear-cut chances.
Phillips was outstanding during the game. He played alongside Declan Rice in the middle of the park but was deployed more advanced position.
He tested the goalkeeper with a thunderous volley and provided the assist for Raheem Sterling. He was the standout performer for the Three Lions.
💪 @Kalvinphillips x @_DeclanRice 💪 pic.twitter.com/pNUtVWkCO9
— England (@England) June 13, 2021
Phillips took to Twitter after the game to express his reaction:
Great way to kick off the tournament 😁 Some team! 🤩 Thank you everyone for the support 🏴 🦁 #euro2020 pic.twitter.com/8FWknlU9hd
— Kalvin Phillips (@Kalvinphillips) June 13, 2021
It was a flawless performance from Phillips, who was simply unbelievable for Leeds during the 2020-21 Premier League campaign.
England got the breakthrough in the 57th minute of the game when Phillips produced a perfect pass to Sterling, who calmly slotted home.
Phillips’s display in the Euro 2020 opener is an indication that there’s more to come from him for the rest of the campaign.
Kalvin Phillips’ #EURO2020 game by numbers for #ENG vs. #CRO:
100% long-ball accuracy
100% through-ball accuracy
94% passing accuracy
44 touches
7 ball recoveries (most)
2 take-ons completed
1 interception
1 chance created
1 shot on target
1 foul won
1 assistTake a bow. 👏 pic.twitter.com/5vPocBqMXR
— Squawka Football (@Squawka) June 13, 2021
Bielsa has completely transformed Phillips, and he has been a revelation in the last few years.
While he was outstanding in a holding midfield role for his club, Phillips has proved he can play in a more advanced position for England.
Read: Carlo Ancelotti interested in Richarlison reunion at Real Madrid.
