Leeds United player Kalvin Phillips' old schoolteacher urges him to achieve Euro 2020 glory ahead of England v Italy

By Joe Cooper
Published 9th Jul 2021, 12:41 BST
Updated 9th Jul 2021, 12:45 BST
Watch more of our videos on Shots! 
and live on Freeview channel 276
Visit Shots! now
Kalvin Phillips’ old schoolteacher says she was ‘emotional’ watching him play a leading role in England’s Euro 2020 semi-final win – and urged him to achieve final glory.

The Leeds United midfielder, 25, has been a breakout star as the Three Lions roared their way to the final, keeping Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson out of the starting line up.

Read More
A record set, an astounding statistic and a Kalvin Phillips trademark as Leeds U...

Dubbed the ‘Yorkshire Pirlo’, his all-action displays at the heart of the England midfield have made him a fans favourite.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad
Kalvin Phillips aged about 10yrs, with year six teacher Karen Loney (L) and year 5 teacher Carol Newton (R) at Whingate Primary School (photo: SWNS)Kalvin Phillips aged about 10yrs, with year six teacher Karen Loney (L) and year 5 teacher Carol Newton (R) at Whingate Primary School (photo: SWNS)
Kalvin Phillips aged about 10yrs, with year six teacher Karen Loney (L) and year 5 teacher Carol Newton (R) at Whingate Primary School (photo: SWNS)

But Claire Beswick, who taught him at primary school, said Phillips remains grounded and has not let his fame go to his head.

And she can still see the same ‘cheeky smile’ on his face while playing at the Euros as he had when he was a little schoolboy.

She added: “I was watching with friends and got emotional thinking about the fact a child I had taught was on that kind of stage.

“It’s amazing to see. Hopefully he can help the team go that one step further on Sunday.

Hide Ad