On Monday, the Leeds midfielder was crowned England’s player of the year, pipping Mason Mount and Raheem Sterling, respectively, to the accolade. He only made his international debut 12 months ago, starting in the 0-0 Nations League draw against Denmark. Kalvin Phillips thought someone was playing a prank on him after winning England's POTY‘Declan Rice gave me the award, but I actually thought he was playing a joke on me to be fair,’ said Phillips, 25. Central to England’s run to the final, Phillips is no longer the new boy, a key member of the national team’s present and future. Hard as nails and bursting with energy in the engine room, Phillips played in all but 25 minutes of England’s Euros campaign.

Source: Daily Mail August 31, 2021 21:32 UTC