England confirmed their place at next year’s Qatar World Cup with an emphatic 10-0 victory over San Marino on Monday evening.
Filippo Fabbri’s own goal, as well as strikes from Harry Kane (4), Harry Maguire, Emile Smith Rowe, Tyrone Mings, Tammy Abraham and Bukayo Saka ensured an extremely comfortable night’s work for the Three Lions.
Leeds United midfielder Kalvin Phillips got another 45 minutes under his belt for his country but was withdrawn at half-time for a rest with the score at 6-0.
Phillips enjoyed one of the easier nights of his career, keeping the ball ticking over in the middle of the park in order to allow England’s more attacking players to flourish.
We've rounded up Phillips' player ratings from across the national media, with the 25-year-old receiving praise for another selfless individual display.
Independent: 7/10
“Was able to control the tempo in midfield without a flinch, rarely coming under any sort of pressure, and had little in the way of enforcing to do.”
Express: 7/10
“Tidied things up nicely when things looked like they might go awry and was key in keeping San Marino so pinned back.”
Daily Mail: 7/10
“Used ball well and was sharp into the tackle when required. Helped England keep possession moving in midfield but was not needed to do much more than that. Withdrawn at half-time.”
The Sun: 6/10
“The only issue in the first half, like his team-mates, was to keep his feet on the slippery surface.”
Guardian: 6/10
“The midfielder was diligent before going off. Maintained discipline and allowed others to shine again.”
Telegraph: 7/10
“Not required at all to protect his defence as he normally does and was happy to let others take centre stage before he was taken off to rest.”
Sky Sports: 6/10
“Won the ball back swiftly for his side on the rare occasions they didn't have it and showed his passing precision to find Smith Rowe for a Kane goal. Perhaps his selection was the most significant part of the night - Southgate seems to go with him whenever he's fit and available these days.”
