Leeds anchorman Kalvin Phillips appears to be in line for a potential England call-up ahead of next month’s friendlies, and it has led to fans across the country reacting to the news with many comparing him to the likes of West Ham star Declan Rice as well as Eric Dier of Tottenham.
The Telegraph, via Sky Sports, have claimed the 24-year-old is ‘in the frame’ to be selected by Gareth Southgate with the Three Lions facing Italy and Denmark ahead of this summer’s Euro 2020 tournament.
Phillips has been watched over by the national boss already this season and this latest update only strengthens his chances of making the squad – maybe Southgate is wanting to see how he performs in these friendlies before making a final decision?
Although that remains to be seen, it could be a possibility and many are behind the idea.
Here’s what supporters have been saying…
Fans from clubs like Arsenal and Southampton were all for it, claiming that it was “long overdue” and that there isn’t a better option out there in his position.
“Absolute quality” and “very specialist” were two further reviews on Phillips.
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This is echoed in his numbers for the current Championship season, as per WhoScored, he is averaging 5.3 long balls, 2.8 tackles, 1.9 key passes and 1.3 interceptions from 30 matches.
And fans are calling for him as they believe he’s better than their current defensive midfielders, most namely Rice and Dier.
Dier is some way off the standard Phillips has set, albeit in the stronger division. He is managing just 0.9 tackles, 0.8 interceptions and 0.5 key passes per game, via WhoScored.
Although the Hammers lynchpin is actually putting up solid figures himself – 3 tackles, 2.1 interceptions and 3.2 long balls per game, but is only averaging 0.4 key passes.
Not everyone is thrilled by the idea of calling up a Championship player; one supporter even labelled it “embarrassing.”
A Villa fan was also angry as Jack Grealish continues to be overlooked, even when he had a standout year in the very same division last season, directly contributing to 14 goals in 35 appearances.
While James Milner is apparently a better player than Phillips, yet he won’t be involved in the Euros this summer, according to another supporter.
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Either way, there can’t be any harm in testing him out in a couple of friendlies.
And in other news, Leeds journalist gives update on Phillips’ injury…