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Elliott Jackson

"Indispensable" - National media rave about Kalvin Phillips after historic England win

Drink it in, England are in the final of the European Championship.

No, last night wasn't a dream. The Three Lions have done it and will face Italy on Sunday in the grand finale.

Kalvin Phillips, as we've come to expect, was an immovable object, playing the full 120 minutes and impressing once more.

It was the Leeds United midfielder's sixth successive start at Euro 2020 and he's nailed on to start the final too.

After such a historic win, the morning papers have been filled with back page spreads on a monumental night for England.

With that in mind, LeedsLive has gathered the Phillips ' ratings across the national titles.

The Mirror - 7

Didn’t have it all his own way early on but grew stronger as the game progressed.

The Express - 6

A typical tough-tackling display in the middle of the park, Phillips ensured any calls for Jordan Henderson’s return to the starting line-up in the final will quieten.

The Telegraph - 7

Solid performance, breaking up Danish attacks and getting England moving forward. Incredible rise for the Yorkshire Pirlo, now indispensable for his country.

The Mail - 8

His athleticism and energy has been a feature of England's tournament and once more the Leeds man covered every blade of grass. 8

The Guardian - 7

Struggled to get a grip in first half but improved. Found passing range and came close with daisycutter.

The Independent - 8

More wayward in his passing than usual initially, which put his team-mates under unnecessary pressure, but grew into the game brilliantly as a tenacious destroyer.

The Sun - 6

Was often chasing shadows in the first half.

No faulting his desire or energy, though, and his athleticism and energy helped England take control after the break.

Sky Sports - 8

This lad has incredible character. Like Rice, better the longer the game went on - although it would be an exaggeration to say England had charge of the midfield.

England's most difficult period of the tournament had come in the first 30 minutes when Phillips was unable to provide any sort of positive influence as the Danes grew in strength.

But it says everything about his resolve and tenacity that Phillips was still on the pitch for the full-time whistle.

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