MX23RW : Saturday, May 6 20:29:57| >> :120:8021:8021:

Kalvin Phillips targets World Cup glory after starring for England at Euro 2020

Kalvin Phillips targets World Cup glory after starring for England at Euro 2020
© Reuters
The Three Lions resume their World Cup qualifiers with three matches early next month.

Kalvin Phillips is aiming to go "one step further" with England at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.

The Leeds midfielder played a starring role at Euro 2020 as the Three Lions reached their first major tournament final in 55 years and they resume their World Cup qualifiers with three matches early next month.

Phillips made his intentions clear when revealing Gareth Southgate's parting message to his players soon after last month's penalty shoot-out defeat to  Italy.

Phillips told the PA news agency: "He told us just to stay fit, stay healthy and we can look forward to a very exciting World Cup, which I believe it will be.

"Hopefully, and I don't want to say too much, but we've got a very good, young squad and I'm very happy to be a part of that.

"We'll see how far we can get and hopefully go one step further next time."

Only goalkeeper Jordan Pickford and John Stones played more minutes for England at the Euros than Phillips, who admitted he was taken aback by the faith shown in him by Southgate.

Phillips made a surprise visit to first club Wortley to take part in a McDonalds Fun Football Session
Phillips made a surprise visit to first club Wortley to take part in a McDonalds Fun Football Session Mark Robinson)

That trust was keenly demonstrated by the head coach's decision to play Phillips in a more advanced role in England's opening group win against Croatia.

"It was a massive surprise," Phillips said. "I knew I'd done well in the games before the Euros, but I didn't really know if I was going to play or not, I was just happy to be there.

"Then once you get the first taste you just want to keep playing more and more and the manager showed a lot of faith in me, even changing my position, so I'm grateful for that and very happy he did to be fair.

"Last season was obviously so good for me and the (Leeds) team. Finishing ninth in the Premier League shows how well we did and that gave me the chance to play for England.

Phillips started in every game for England at Euro 2020
Phillips started in every game for England at Euro 2020 (Nick Potts/PA)

"I got the nod from Gareth Southgate and I'm very grateful for that. Hopefully I can keep getting into the squad."

Phillips' meteoric rise with Leeds and England has had a positive impact on his first club, Wortley FC.

They have been inundated with calls from parents who want to register their children with the club and have set up a new open-age women's team on the back of his popularity.

Phillips was speaking on his return to Wortley, where he made a surprise visit to take part in a McDonald's Fun Football session.

Phillips spent seven years at local club Wortley before joining Leeds
Phillips spent seven years at local club Wortley before joining Leeds Mark Robinson)

"I've seen all the interest on social media and it's very humbling for me to come back and get involved," he said.

"I think these sessions are pretty special. From ages five to 11 kids can get free training and it's a really good stepping stone to learn how to play the game and get involved with fun activities as well.

"It's nice to see and be a part of it. Obviously when I was away at the Euros I didn't really see much of the stuff like this, but to be in my hometown helping out with all the kids, it's been great."

:: Kalvin Phillips wants parents to register their kids for McDonald's Fun Football sessions this September – FREE for all children aged 5-11. To find your nearest centre, go to: mcdonalds.co.uk/football

ID:460504:1false2false3false:QQ:: from db desktop :LenBod:collect8114:

Click here for more stories about Kalvin Phillips

Click here for more stories about Leeds United

Collect / Create New Data
Share this article now:
England's Bukayo Saka looks dejected after missing a penalty against Italy in the Euro 2020 final on July 11, 2021
Read Next:
Twitters says UK 'by far' main origin of racist posts after Euro 2020 final
>
Sports Mole Logo
Enter your email address to subscribe to Sports Mole's free daily transfer newsletter! Sent twice a day during the transfer window.
rhs 2.0
Today's games header
Tables
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Manchester CityMan City34264489315882
2Arsenal34246481394278
3Newcastle UnitedNewcastle331811461273465
4Manchester UnitedMan Utd3319684940963
5Liverpool35188967422562
6Tottenham HotspurSpurs35176126457757
7Brighton & Hove AlbionBrighton32167962402255
8Aston Villa35166134643354
9Brentford35121495245750
10Fulham34136154546-145
11Chelsea34119143439-542
12Crystal Palace351010153546-1140
13Wolverhampton WanderersWolves35117173050-2040
14Bournemouth35116183767-3039
15West Ham UnitedWest Ham3497183750-1334
16Leicester CityLeicester3486204659-1330
17Leeds UnitedLeeds3579194469-2530
18Nottingham ForestNott'm Forest3479183062-3230
19Everton34611172752-2529
20Southampton3466222860-3224

Ted Lasso creative

Subscribe to our newsletter


Sports Mole provides in-depth previews and predictions for every match from the biggest leagues and competitions in world football.
Argentina's Lionel Messi kisses the World Cup trophy after collecting the Golden Ball award on December 18, 2022Sign up for our FREE daily preview newsletter direct to your inbox!