Kalvin Phillips shares moment Tottenham star left him ‘in awe’ during England training session

Add as preferred source on Google

Kalvin Phillips has told The Lions Den he was left “in awe” by Tottenham star Harry Kane in one of his first England sessions. Phillips sparkled on Sunday afternoon as England beat Croatia – but recalled Kane leaving him stunned in training.

The 25-year-old was the man of the match on Sunday as England beat Croatia 1-0 to get their Euro 2020 campaign off to a flyer. Playing in a slightly more-advanced role, Phillips laid on an assist for Raheem Sterling. It was a role he played for Leeds before the arrival of Marcelo Bielsa.

Now, preparing for Friday’s grudge match against Scotland, Phillips was asked which England teammate had impressed him in training. He recalled one of his first England call-ups. During a 7v7 drill, Tottenham sensation Kane stunned him with his control and first touches.

“We did a possession-based drill, 7v7, and Harry [Kane] was a floater,” Phillips said. “But he was one touch. The ball was getting zinged in at him knee height, chest height, but he was bopping it off one touch with his left foot, right foot, chest, head. I was just in awe of what I was seeing.”

Kane still remains biggest weapon for England amid Phillips comments

In a way, it was probably good that Kane did not score against Croatia. Playing with a bit of pressure on his back after what was a below-par performance might give him a kick up the backside. Certainly, you would rather he gets his shaky performances out of the way first.

He might need a game or two to warm up and get into the feel of the tournament. Kane obviously plays a bit deeper and with more freedom at Tottenham and chopping and changing is tricky – though Phillips has shown the opposite. A goal against Scotland would do him the world of good.