Patrick Bamford has told the England YouTube channel how Kalvin Phillips reacted to his Three Lions call-up, in the Leeds changing room.
Bamford, who turns 28 this weekend, is expected to win his first England cap over the next week – with Dom Calvert-Lewin pulling out injured.
The Leeds star finally got an England call-up after 17 goals and eight assists in the Premier League last term. He opened his 21-22 account at Burnley.
Speaking about his call-up, Bamford spoke of his pride, how he found out and the immediate reaction of Phillips while Bamford was on FaceTime.
“I was a little bit surprise, but also tremendously proud,” Bamford told England’s YouTube. “It was a great feeling.
“I got FaceTimed by the Leeds technical director. He showed me the email England sent. Saw my name next to Kalvin’s. Straight away, rang my family.
“To be fair, Kalv was in the dressing room right next to me. As I got FaceTimed I told him and he was buzzing as well.
“He said you’ll properly enjoy it. The lads are a really good group, it’s close knit. It’s always easier when you know someone from your club.”
Hungary: Could Leeds ace Bamford get England start with Phillips?
England travel to Hungary in the first of three World Cup qualifiers over the next week. It is probably the second hardest of those three games.
Harry Kane has only started two matches for Tottenham so far, a Europa League Conference match and then against Watford on Sunday.
While Kane might not be operating at 100%, he will not be far off it. Given it is a tricky game, Kane is likely to start for England. Bamford might be a sub.
He might come on after 70. There is much more of a chance to see Bamford starting against Andorra on Sunday, a much easier ride for the Leeds ace.
