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“Pure class”: Fans praise what Kalvin Phillips did after Euro 2020 disappointment

"I’m a Villa fan and a bit bitter our star didn’t get more time but Kalvin was the rock in that team absolutely brilliant a credit to himself and his club"

Georgina Pellant - 12th July 2021

Fans have issued messages of support to Kalvin Phillips following the team's crushing defeat at Wembley last night.

Kalvin Phillips and his Three Lions teammates were dealt with a hard pill to swallow as England was beaten on penalties in the Euro 2020 final.

An early Luke Shaw goal took Italy by complete surprise, sending the whole of Wembley into a raucous celebration just a minute and 37 seconds into the game.

The game reached fever-pitch excitement early with Gareth Southgate's team playing well in the first half but became slowly subdued as the Italians returned from halftime with new tactics that ultimately led to a nail-biting penalty shoot-out.

What happened next pulled the bottom out from under England's supporters, leaving the entire country with a huge lump in its throat after the Three Lions exited the competition in second place.

Whilst there was clearly a huge amount of disappointment and heartbreak at Englands' exit from the Euros on penalties, Leeds United and Englands fans were quick to rally around one of the team's freshest faces: Leeds man Kalvin Phillips.

Phillips has started all seven matches for the team, fielding off a second yellow card for the team in the quarter-final versus Ukraine.

For those who'd previously doubted his midfield proficiency, he's more than proved himself in this tournament - winning the hearts of many fans along the way.

Following the penalty shoot out, which left relatively inexperienced 19-year-old Bukayo Saka to take the last shot for the country, Leeds and England fans were quick to notice that the 25-year-old went straight to Saka to hug him.

Many have commented online that as a young player, Phillips had conducted himself brilliantly throughout.

@_DAFCN summed it up: "Saka missed the penalty and was immediately surrounded by Italian staff and players. While the entire team and coaching staff stayed at half way to feel sorry for themselves, Luke Shaw and Kalvin Phillips immediately ran to the spot to console Saka."

@BeautyInLonely said: "He's been immense all tournament, but him hugging Saka after the shootout was pure class."

Someone else wrote:  "Kalvin has been amazing the whole way through. So proud of him."

Another fan said: "He's been immense all tournament, but him hugging Saka after the shootout was pure class."

"Hold it high Kalvin lad. Amazing young man. Even this bitter Irishman was said to see you on the wrong side of it," said another.

"From a Newcastle Fan the lad did us proud !! Hands down one of the best players for England at this tournament!" wrote another.

They were joined by @Andrewvarley who said: "Awesome all the way"

@Warge6 chimed in: "I’m a Villa fan and a bit bitter our star didn’t get more time but Kalvin was the rock in that team absolutely brilliant a credit to himself and his club"

@reece_mumby said: "You did the country proud Kalvin I’m so proud of you, you played well this tournament gutted we didn’t win it but you can hold your head up high you have played class #lufc#eng"

@janwhiteley1: "Kalvin has been amazing the whole way through. So proud of him."

@CalverVictor: Kalvin been absolutely outstanding as was yesterday once again! World Cup 2022 Qatar, we go again! You deserve a month on the beach now, unfortunately you may just have to settle for a fortnight, as do all the England Squad #WeAreSoProud “We’ve always shouted it out Loud “