Lots of Leeds United fans were stunned after reading about comments made by Gareth Southgate about Kalvin Phillips and Ben White.
The England manager told The Independent that Marcelo Bielsa’s key duo could be in line to being picked for Euro 2021 having impressed for the North Yorkshire outfit in their table-topping season, currently.
With nine games to play, Leeds are at the summit of the Championship, one point ahead of West Bromwich Albion, and could be playing Premier League football next season for the first time since 2004.
Do White and Phillips deserve a place in the England squad?
Yes
No
Both players have been showered with praise this season and have been a key part of their side’s promotion push, with both players picking up five man-of-the-match awards between them and averaging over seven in their respective match ratings, via Whoscored.
Unsurprisingly, supporters were delighted with Southgate’s comments and made their feelings clear on social media. One fan described White as “already better than Stones”, while another added his happiness that the national team coach was “besotted” with the Leeds pair.
If we actually do get promoted this season KP will 100% be in that Euro squad next year. Depends on who White is playing for, but he’s already better than Stones and Mings so should also be in there..
— Ashley Johnson (@AshJohnson20) June 14, 2020
Genuinely believe Phillips > Rice, PL football or not.
— Seb Wassell 🏳️🌈 (@SebWassell) June 14, 2020
@edge_lufc White and Stones cb pairing 😍
— Cameron Beasley (@Beasley1210) June 14, 2020
White is a phenomenal player as good as anything in there already only problem he’s got is proving that at top level as hasn’t had the chance as yet!
— Ron (@ronaallleeds) June 14, 2020
Go on! Both top players and hopefully we will sign Ben. Just give brighton what they ask for he will be worth every single penny.
— Unscrupulous (@Unscrupleeds) June 14, 2020
If we are in the prem next season then 100% this will happen https://t.co/VUrqMp4A9e
— Toby Brannan (@TobyBrannan3) June 14, 2020
Southgate is completely besotted by Bielsa Ball btw https://t.co/Cl7pJNbGHa
— Ash (@ashlaurenn_) June 14, 2020