‘7/10’, ‘Instigator’, ‘Crucial part’: National media raves about Leeds star’s display for his country

By Dom Toner

Leeds United star Kalvin Phillips started for England on Tuesday during a historic win over Germany at Euro 2020. 

For England supporters, yesterday sparked wild celebrations after beating Germany 2-0 to reach the quarter-finals of this summer’s major international tournament. 

Raheem Sterling opened the scoring in the 75th minute with a simple tap-in. Therefore, he’s surely a prime candidate for Three Lions player of the tournament so far with three goals under his belt. 

In addition, England captain Harry Kane sealed the result with a header in the closing stages. 

Phillips, along with his all his teammates, left everything on the pitch at Wembley Stadium.

The 25-year-old’s performances at the Euros so far has to be one of England’s best success stories because he had never played top flight football a year ago. 

However, the central midfielder has been integral alongside West Ham’s Declan Rice at Euro 2020. The midfield axis shone once again against Germany.

The Leeds playmaker received a 7/10 rating across the board from numerous national media outlets. 

Here are some comments on last night’s display:

“Overhit backpass in first few minutes betrayed some understandable nerves but grew into the encounter and was the instigator of the chance for Maguire with a lovely clipped pass out wide. Just as impressive was his self-management through the second half when stuck on the tightrope of a yellow card,” Sky Sports wrote. 

“Looked to force the issue after a quiet start, breaking forward. His energy was important,” The Guardian wrote. 

“Grew into the game after a nervous start. His energy in central midfield was a crucial part of England’s triumph,” The Daily Mail wrote. 

“The ‘Yorkshire Pirlo’ appeared nervous early on but did settle to become steadily more influential. Booked late in the first-half, so deserves credit for staying defensively solid while walking the tightrope,” The Telegraph wrote. 

Kalvin Phillips for England is now becoming a talisman

Many neutrals question Phillips before every England game it feels like, but he keeps knocking that criticism out of the park. 

He was excellent against Germany after adjusting to the speed of the game. 

The Phillips-Rice combination isn’t the flashiest. 

However, they are proving to be so reliable defensively in front of the back. And they both look to use the ball quickly.

Phillips is clearly a big favourite right now with England boss Southgate, so surely he’s in the running to start in the quarter-finals against Ukraine. 

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