DIFFERENT CLASS
Silky Kalvin runs the show
KALVIN PHILLIPS ensured the man-of-the-match selectors had an easy job yesterday. In a midfield that consisted of some household names, this 25-year-old from Leeds was different class and he could become the unsung hero of the tournament. Phillips hadn’t even kicked a ball in the Premier League when Gareth Southgate first called him up in August. England’s manager has been tracking him since his Championship days, and he trusted him enough to start this Euro 2020 opener for England. His faith was repaid and then some. In the first half, Phillips had a chance to score from a dipping volley. He displayed good technique in getting it on target and I wonder if that settled him down a little. From then on, he was the boss. His passing, both short and long, was on point and he exuded comfort. I loved watching it at Wembley and he and his family should be incredibly proud of this performance. Some supporters were asking: ‘Why is he starting?’ when the line-ups came out. Now plenty will be saying he should start against Scotland on Friday. As for Jude Bellingham, for a 17-year-old to be given the final 10 minutes with England on the verge of victory shows how much he is rated. Southgate thinks so much of this teenager that he took off Harry Kane and asked Bellingham to see out the win. He’s an incredible specimen who covers so much ground and is comfortable on the ball. We’ll see plenty more of him. He’s a superstar in the making. And don’t forget Declan Rice, who also performed an outstanding role in midfield.