Kalvin Phillips is on the verge of matching a Leeds United record that has stood for 51 years as he prepares for the EURO 2020 final this Sunday.
The England midfielder has been instrumental for Gareth Southgate’s side and has started in all six games at the tournament so far.
He will be expecting to retain his place in the team for what will undoubtedly be the biggest game of his career on Sunday evening.
If he is selected, he will equal a record set by the late, great Jack Charlton that has remained unchallenged for over half a decade.
The Whites legend currently holds the record as the Leeds player with the most appearances at major tournaments for England with seven.
This includes all six games of the Three Lions’ World Cup winning campaign in 1966 as well as one more that he played against Czechoslovakia four years later.
Norman Hunter was also part of Sir Alf Ramsey’s squad but struggled for game time. This was because of the imperious centre-back pairing of Charlton and Bobby Moore who helped to lift England’s one and only World Cup trophy.
Phillips has already made six appearances at this summer’s Euros and will be hoping to emulate the success of the 1966 squad by winning a major tournament at Wembley.
The 25-year-old will also be eyeing another of Charlton’s records as the former Republic of Ireland manager is still the player with the most England caps whilst playing for Leeds.
Phillips would need to play 22 more matches for his country in order to reach that milestone with 14 international appearances already under his belt.
With his current place in the squad looking secure, it is very realistic that he would overtake Charlton however it would require him to remain at Elland Road, something which supporters of other clubs may not wish to happen.
The inevitable transfer rumours linking Phillips to clubs playing European football next season are gathering momentum and will presumably increase following the conclusion of EURO 2020.
That said, there is no intention for the England international to move on any time soon. He remains happy and settled at Leeds United.
