---
title: "Leeds United: Andy Hinchcliffe backs Kalvin Phillips for England call-up"
canonical: "https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/leeds-united-andy-hinchcliffe-backs-kalvin-phillips-for-england-call-up/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "Uways Nisar"
section: "uncategorised"
published: "2020-01-16T20:30:25Z"
modified: "2020-01-16T20:30:25Z"
---

# Leeds United: Andy Hinchcliffe backs Kalvin Phillips for England call-up

**Andy Hinchcliffe has backed Leeds United midfielder Kalvin Phillips to receive an international call-up from England.**

[According to Phil Hay of The Athletic](https://twitter.com/PhilHay_/status/1217704815624585216), Three Lions manager Gareth Southgate has watched the 24-year-old several times this season. However, people close to the player believe the 49-year-old wants to see him play at [Premier League-level](https://twitter.com/PhilHay_/status/1217724066842468353).

Hinchcliffe is adamant the ace deserves a shot at the national team, despite the fact he hasn’t even received a call-up at any youth level.

He said: “In terms of England, he’s already playing a Premier League style of football. You’ll see his role being employed by Manchester City and others. He’s already thriving under a coach who would be at home in the Premier League.”

“He’s ready for that level and I’m one of many people who watch him who think he’s worth a go with England. His stats stack up very well and I don’t see many players in his exact position who look much better than him.” [(Source: The Athletic)](https://theathletic.com/1532978/2020/01/16/leeds-kalvin-phillips-ready-for-england/)

Hinchcliffe isn’t wrong about Phillips already playing a top-flight ‘style of football’.

Against Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium, the defensive midfielder was on fire for the Whites as he completed the joint-most key passes in the game [(via WhoScored)](https://www.whoscored.com/Matches/1434421/LiveStatistics/England-FA-Cup-2019-2020-Arsenal-Leeds). However, as a deep-lying midfield player, he didn’t forget his defensive responsibilities as he also had the [most tackles of any player](https://www.whoscored.com/Matches/1434421/LiveStatistics/England-FA-Cup-2019-2020-Arsenal-Leeds).

In comparison to Jordan Henderson, who plays in a similar position for runaway leaders Liverpool, the Yorkshire native comes out on top. He averages [more tackles, interceptions, clearances and blocks](https://www.whoscored.com/Players/270446/Show/Kalvin-Phillips) per games when compared to the [England international](https://www.whoscored.com/Players/68659/Show/Jordan-Henderson).

While he may be playing in the second-tier of English football, the Leeds man has shown he can compete with the best. His stats make for pretty good reading and show an international call-up isn’t a far-fetched idea.

***Leeds fans, do you think Phillips deserves an international call-up? Join the discussion below!***