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Bobby Vincent

Gareth Southgate explains what Kalvin Phillips brought to England's win over San Marino

Gareth Southgate named Kalvin Phillips as one of England's most impressive players in their 5-0 win over San Marino.

The Three Lions - as expected - cruised to three points in their opening World Cup qualifier against the minnows.

Dominic Calvert-Lewin scored twice, with James Ward-Prowse, Raheem Sterling and Ollie Watkins also getting on the scoresheet for the hosts at Wembley.

Phillips started in a midfield trio of himself, Ward-Prowse and Mason Mount, with all three impressing in the capital.

As we've seen throughout Leeds ' first season back in the Premier League for 16 years, Phillips looked calm and composed on the ball and rarely gave possession away.

England boss Southgate, speaking to ITV post-match, was asked which players stood out to him the most from the win.

He replied: “I thought there were lots of good individual performances.

"We said there was high individual motivation, as well as the team, and it would be difficult to pick one out. I thought the midfield players moved the ball well, I thought Kalvin Phillips, I was really pleased for him.

"He’s used the ball well, but his athleticism around the pitch was good.

"Mason (Mount) in the first-half was excellent, set the tone. It’s good to see Jesse (Lingard) looking like he’s enjoying his football again.”

It's just over a week before we're able to see Phillips play in a Leeds shirt again, with the Whites welcoming rock-bottom Sheffield United to Elland Road next Saturday.

Before that, though, the 25-year-old midfielder will be looking to feature for the Three Lions in their next two games against Albania on Sunday and then Poland on Wednesday, March 31.

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