Ian Wright was vindicated after putting Ashley Cole in his place following Kalvin Phillips man-of-the-match performance for England against Croatia.
The Leeds United midfielder was a star performer for Gareth Southgate's side as they claimed a 1-0 win, operating in a more advanced midfield role.
Phillips has operated almost exclusively as a holding midfielder under Marcelo Bielsa but impressed in a box-to-box role, using his boundless energy to press and harass opponents higher up the field.
The 25-year-old made the most of his newfound freedom by assisting Raheem Sterling's winner, which gave Wright the last laugh over a pre-match conversation with Cole.
The former Chelsea and Derby County defender has questioned Phillips' ability in the final third, suggesting he was congesting Mason Mount's space.
Wright was quick to point out Phillips' role before Bielsa, where he played more advanced at Elland Road.
“You know when you watch a player,” he told Wright's House.
“Watching Phillips, because remember he got taken out of the Championship into the England squad. People forget that.
“Ashley (Cole) was speaking where he was saying ‘Kalvin’s in a position where maybe Mason Mount could have been because he’s a better exponent because he’s then in a position where he can support the front men and put that pass through’.
“And I had to say ‘listen, it was only in 2018 that Bielsa started to change Kalvin Phillips game’ in being box-to-box, getting upfront and supporting the forwards to the defensive midfielder you see today.
“So, what you have to give Gareth credit for is the way Kalvin played was brilliant. The way he broke things up and everything. But he also had the licence to go forward and be what you used to be.”
