Former Leeds United star Kalvin Phillips has become a topic of conversation once again following England’s struggles at Euro 2024.
The Three Lions have come under fire for their performances at the tournament, struggling to build on their initial lead in games against Serbia and Denmark.
With four points on the board, England are close to confirming qualification to the knockout rounds, but their far-from-convincing nature has led to something of an inquest.
Questions have arisen over the difference between the current competition and those that the team have succeeded in during the past few years.
Some of this has led to discussion surrounding former Leeds star Kalvin Phillips, who was brought up by Gareth Southgate following the Denmark draw.
Gareth Southgate on Kalvin Phillips at Euro 2024
Following a lacklustre display against Denmark, England boss Southgate was keen to suggest that the lack of a replacement for Phillips has impacted his team.
The 28-year-old was previously integral to the Three Lions, even winning the nation’s Player of the Year award for 2020/21.
Since his move to Manchester City and his subsequent downturn in form, Phillips has struggled to hit those heights again.
He wasn’t called up to the England squad for Euro 2024, something that may have impacted how the team perform.
When asked about playing Liverpool’s Trent Alexander-Arnold in midfield, Southgate told the BBC: “He has had some moments where he has delivered as we thought.
“It’s an experiment – we don’t have a natural replacement for Kalvin Phillips. At the moment we’re not flowing as we would like.”
For some supporters, it has raised eyebrows, but the Leeds fans are all in agreement on the former star midfielder.
Leeds United fans react to Kalvin Phillips claim
Plenty of the Elland Road faithful have been quick to defend Phillips, believing that his quality is finally being recognised after a rough patch in his career.
One supporter on the social media platform X said: “Me being a big Phillips fanboy. Shows again what an integral role he does in midfield in the modern game.
“He’s nothing flash but fans want a flash player these days but he’s a player that reads the game brilliantly & just tidies up play gives teams structure.”
Another fan claimed that Southgate should’ve given him a call-up despite his form, stating: “If you admit you can’t replace Kalvin Phillips, you play Kalvin Phillips, he’s not injured he’s just had a bad year, that’s an embarrassing excuse when the player is available.”
Another fan added: “Southgate ‘we don’t have a natural replacement for Kalvin Phillips’ erm, what about Kalvin Phillips?” while one supporter also claimed “I’d have taken an out of form Kalvin Phillips.”
Meanwhile, it appears as though England supporters are finally noticing what Phillips brought to the squad.
Another fan added: “Phillips was rightly overlooked for the euros, but I find it astounding how supposed football fans don’t appreciate what he did for England.
“I swear people just watch football and moan rather than actually having any tactical knowledge.”
Kalvin Phillips transfer future
The big question from this summer will surround the future for Phillips and exactly where that will lay – either at Manchester City or elsewhere.
His struggles at City mean a move may be needed to reboot his career and find that form he dearly misses, however, the lack of confidence shown in his loan spell at West Ham suggests not just any move will do.
In an ideal world, a return to Leeds would see the midfielder back where he was comfortably and adored by supporters.
It appears unlikely, given the current Championship status, which leaves his options wide open this summer.