Kalvin Phillips has been selected by England, to compete at the delayed Euro 2020 tournament, this summer. The midfielder has been a regular over recent months, having played in the recently friendly matches and World Cup Qualifiers. 

The midfielder has been exceptional for Leeds United over recent years, and was a key figure in the return to Premier League action this season, playing in the majority of the matches under Marcelo Bielsa. 

A key aspect of Phillips’ game and what he can offer to England is his versatility. His ability on the ball is unquestionable, and the fact he can show calmness and spray passes from multiple different positions on the pitch will help England in various systems. 

Who is in charge of England? 

Gareth Southgate has been England manager since taking over in 2016, stepping up from his role leading the Under-21s. During his tenure, England gave us all a summer to remember in 2018 by reaching the World Cup semi-finals, following that up with more excitement the following year by finishing third in the inaugural Nations League. 

Southgate’s playing career was spent at the top level of English football, playing in central defence for Crystal Palace, Aston Villa and Middlesbrough. During that time he had a long career playing for England too, progressing well past the 50 cap mark. He played every minute for England when they reached the 1996 Euro’s semi-final on home turf. 

Who are England playing?

Facing the Three Lions within the group will be fierce rivals Scotland, 2018 World Cup finalists Croatia, and Czech Republic. 

Sunday 13th June, 2021 - Wembley Stadium, London

England vs Croatia - 14:00

Friday 18th June, 2021 - Wembley Stadium, London

England vs Scotland - 20:00 

Tuesday 22nd June, 2021 - Wembley Stadium, London 

Czech Republic vs England - 20:00

How many times has Kalvin played for England?

Phillips has now made eight appearances for his country, since making his debut in September 2020. The 25-year-old has amassed 576 minutes during that time and has an exceptional pass completion rate of 90%. 

His first cap came against Denmark, a 0-0 draw in Nations League qualifying. Kalvin progressed further and impressed throughout March, starting every game as England won all three of their World Cup Qualifiers within a week. 

Last time out: Euro 2016

Now stretching back five years, a disappointing tournament saw Roy Hodgson’s England team go out against surprise package, Iceland. The Three Lions ended their group unbeaten but a record of just the one win - a last minute victory over Wales - saw them progress from the group in second place, only to then go out in the Round of 16. 

Who else is in the squad? 

Dean Henderson (Manchester United), Sam Johnstone (West Brom), Jordan Pickford (Everton)

Ben White (Brighton), Ben Chilwell (Chelsea), Conor Coady (Wolves), Reece James (Chelsea), Harry Maguire (Manchester United), Tyrone Mings (Aston Villa), Luke Shaw (Manchester United), John Stones (Manchester City), Kieran Trippier (Atletico Madrid), Kyle Walker (Manchester City)

Jude Bellingham (Borussia Dortmund), Jordan Henderson (Liverpool), Mason Mount (Chelsea), Kalvin Phillips (Leeds), Declan Rice (West Ham) 

Dominic Calvert-Lewin (Everton), Phil Foden (Man City), Jack Grealish (Aston Villa), Harry Kane (Tottenham), Marcus Rashford (Manchester United), Bukayo Saka (Arsenal), Jadon Sancho (Borussia Dortmund), Raheem Sterling (Man City).