5PM OF CONFIDENCE AND TAKE JORDAN’S JOB
KALVIN PHILLIPS insists he can fill the boots of Jordan Henderson at the Euros. With Liverpool skipper Henderson facing a race to be fit for the Group D opener against Croatia a week today, there are fears England are short of quality cover in central midfield.
But Leeds star Phillips, who is set to win his eighth cap today against Romania, claimed he can cope with whatever job is required of him.
Phillips, 25, said: “I think my games speak for themselves this season, my first in the Premier League.
“Regarding Jordan, whether he’s fit or not doesn’t really matter
– as long as I’m ready to fill in for whoever’s not playing.
“I’ve played in different positions and formations for Leeds, so overall it doesn’t make a difference whether I play as a central defensive midfielder for England or a little higher.whenever I pull on an England shirt I’ll play anywhere. I am happy to do that and I am confident I can do that.”
Phillips’ England record suggests he has a point. He has won six and lost one – 1-0 in Denmark – since being called up by Gareth
Southgate early last season.
However, the Elland Road star, known as the Yorkshire Pirlo, almost blew his Euro dream before it started. In the final game of the Premier League campaign, Phillips dislocated his shoulder following a loss of self-discipline.
Fuming at himself for an error that resulted in Marcelo Bielsa’s men conceding againstwest Brom, he launched into a 95th-minute tackle and sustained what seemed a serious injury. Phillips feared the worst but has vowed not to lose his head again in such fashion.the fact Leeds were 3-1 up made his actions even more bizarre.
He added: “It was my mistake that did lead to a goal and after that you could see my mood change. I was annoyed with myself and that resulted in me getting injured.
“If I look back at it, I know it’s a learning curve. It’s things like that I need to work on in my game and I will continue to do that.
“The shoulder is fine now but my first emotions were that I would miss the tournament.”
That would have been a crushing blow for someone so thrilled to be a part of the England set-up. Three years ago, when Southgate’s sizzlers reached the World Cup semi-final, Phillips was just like any other Three Lions supporter.
“Whenever there’s a major tournament, I’m just a fan. Even now I consider myself a fan,” he said. “Three years ago, I was sitting in my living room with my friend from school, with flags up all over the house. I was overwhelmed when the squad was announced.”
Phillips was a Championship player last year but keeping his feet on the ground is not an issue, with Leeds boss Bielsa on his case.
“I’m quite a grounded person,” Phillips went on. “I won’t think I played unbelievably in a game – I always look to make improvements.
“It’s the way Marcelo has coached me – to look at myself and never get too hyped.that’s what I will do until my time is up.”