Leeds United's Kalvin Phillips 'buzzing' after receiving maiden England call

The Leeds-born midfielder, 24, has been rewarded for an outstanding Championship campaign with his hometown club and has been called up for the forthcoming Uefa Nations League internationals in Iceland on September 5 and the trip to Denmark three days later.

On his call-up, Phillips said: "I am buzzing. Never in a million years did I think I would get into this position, but I'm here now and I cannot thank Leeds United enough for helping me get there."

"Last night, I heard the manager wanted to speak to me, then on the way to training today, he rang to say that he had been watching me for a while and would like me to join up with the rest of the lads." 

"It's a big step but I am going to take it and give it everything I can. It is massive for not just me, but also my family. I just want to push on, keep doing even better and see where it will take me."

Commenting on Phillips' call-up, Yorkshire-based England manager Gareth Southgate said: "I spoke to him this (Tuesday) morning, which was a nice reminder of what it means for somebody to be in their first England squad. "It's a proud moment for him, his family and his club."

Earlier this year, Southgate has offered international hope to Phillips when he said that he - and United loanee Ben White - had the potential to 'come late' and make a case for involvement in the delayed European Championships next summer.

In the event, Phillips has been given the nod, while White will have to wait.

Name-checking both Phillips and White back in the Spring, Southgate said: “It could be a Ben White, who has been on loan at Leeds, or a Kalvin Phillips, that haven’t played Premier League football yet.

"Those sorts of players could come into the frame. We’re always open to what it looks like."

Phillips is bidding to become the first Leeds player capped by England at senior level since Alan Smith on March 31, 2004.

Former Sheffield United loanee Dean Henderson - now back at Manchester United - is also named in the Three Lions squad.

Bradford-born Mason Greenwood is also in Southgate's squad alongside Manchester City's Phil Foden and there is also a place for Southampton forward Danny Ings and Manchester United captain Harry Maguire.

England squad: Goalkeepers: Henderson, Pickford, Pope.

Defenders: Alexander-Arnold, Dier, Gomez, Keane, Maguire, Mings, Trippier, Walker.

Midfielders: Rice, Phillips, Winks, Ward-Prowse, Foden, Mount.

Strikers: Abraham, Greenwood, Sancho, Rashford, Ings, Kane, Sterling.