Kalvin Phillips made his debut for England at the World Cup on Tuesday as England blew Wales away to finish top of Group B – prompting Leeds United stars Crysencio Summerville and Luke Ayling to react on Instagram.
Phillips, 26, has endured a frustrating few months. Leaving Leeds for £45million in the summer, he joined Premier League champions Manchester City. Given the no.4 shirt, Phillips has only managed that number of outings for City.
Indeed, the midfielder has suffered with injury and forced to undergo surgery on his shoulder. But he was included in England’s World Cup squad having returned from the operation just days before the trip to Qatar with England.
Gareth Southgate chose to include him given his importance to England at Euro 2020. And, perhaps, a lack of other midfield options like Phillips. He remained an unused substitute in the first two games, against Iran and the USA.
But then, with England cruising against Wales after two quick-fire goals from Marcus Rashford and Phil Foden, Phillips came off the bench. His World Cup debut, he took to Instagram to underline his delight after coming on.
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Phillips debut at World Cup: Leeds stars Summerville and Ayling react
Not only did Phillips come on and help solidify what was already easily in the bag for England, but he helped extend the lead. Indeed, it was his pinpoint ball over the top of the Wales defence that saw Rashford score his second goal.
A wonderful second-half performance from Phillips, who will have been delighted to come on for England – when a couple of months ago, he might have thought his chances of reaching Qatar would have been as good as zero.
Plenty responded to his post – including fellow England midfielder Jude Bellingham. Leeds stars Ayling and Summerville commented, as did ex-Leeds striker Davide Somma.
