You can take the boy out of Leeds, but you cannot take Leeds out of the boy. Kalvin Phillips arrived at St. George’s Park for England duty this week and in a video – he replies “I’m from Leeds” when asked why he was wearing shorts.
Phillips, 27, might feel somewhat lucky for being called-up to represent his country once again. Of course, the star was a key part of the side that reached the final in Euro 2020, starting every game. Injuries have caused issue since.
Just 13 Manchester City outings this season, and only two starts under Pep Guardiola. Less than 350 minutes of action. But Gareth Southgate is loyal, including Phillips in his England side for games against Italy and Ukraine.
The England players arrived at SGP this week, the nation’s footballing base before jetting off to Naples ahead of Thursday night’s Euro 2024 qualifier against Roberto Mancini’s side. Including, the likes of Ivan Toney and others.
England posted an ‘Arrivals’ video on YouTube and Phillips rocked up in shorts despite the cold weather in Burton. When questioned as he got out of the car, he replied in the video – at 5.05 – by saying: “Yes shorts, I’m from Leeds”.
Phillips in Leeds reply when arriving for England duty this week
Clearly, Phillips has not lost his sense of humour. But what he has lost is his regular game time and he will be looking forward to the break, hoping to get some more minutes under his belt and add to the 25 England caps he has won.
England’s Player of the Year for 2021, he may find he is on the bench against Italy on Thursday night. But he has a chance of starting in the second game of the break against Ukraine, when England return to Wembley on Sunday.
