It may have only been against San Marino but Kalvin Phillips' latest England performance has earned him praise from within the Three Lions camp.
Phillips earned his fifth senior cap at Wembley on Thursday evening as Gareth Southgate's side kicked off their 2022 World Cup qualifying campaign with a comfortable 5-0 victory over the visiting international minnows.
The Leeds United midfielder got the nod ahead of West Ham's Declan Rice and played the full 90 minutes.
Everton striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin bagged a brace, with Southampton midfielder James Ward-Prowse, Manchester City winger Raheem Sterling and debutant Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa also on target.
It was Phillips' first outing in an England shirt since October, having missed the previous three fixtures as he recovered from a shoulder injury.
After the match, the 25-year-old took to social media, posting on Twitter: "Happy to be back at Wembley tonight for @England."
Man City star Sterling replied to the tweet to show his appreciation of the Leeds man.
Sterling simply posted three emojis - fire, folded hands and a heart.
England boss Southgate also name-checked Phillips in his post-match interview on ITV.
“I thought there were lots of good individual performances," he said.
"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.”
England have two more World Cup qualifiers to come in this international break.
They are due to face Albania in Tirana on Sunday (March 28), before taking on Poland back at Wembley on Wednesday (March 31).
