YEP 9/7/21 'Every time I put the England shirt on I think of her' - Leeds United's Kalvin Phillips reveals Granny Val Euro 2020 inspiration
Leeds United's Kalvin Phillips wouldn't be where he is without the influence of his late Granny Val.
By Joe Urquhart
The Whites midfielder will have a shot at immortality when
he takes to the pitch for England at Wembley stadium on Sunday night.
Gareth Southgate's Three Lions are just one game away from
winning the European Championships - with Roberto Mancini's Italy standing in
the way - after reaching their first major final for 55 years.
Phillips has been at the heart of this summer's Euros for
England, starting every game of the tournament having developed a strong
partnership with West Ham's Declan Rice in midfield.
The 25-year-old, though, has kept family at the forefront of
his mind, paying tribute to his grandmother first with his boots and then with
a special shirt following the semi-final victory over Denmark in the capital.
Granny Val, as she was affectionately known, rose to stardom
among Whites supporters in the club's Take Me Home documentary two seasons ago.
Phillips has spoken openly about the role she played in his
life both on and off the pitch and United were hit with the sad news of her
passing in February due to Covid.
The Thorp Arch academy product is thankful for head coach
Marcelo Bielsa's influence in helping him realise his talent but off the pitch
it is his grandma who takes much of the credit.
“I wouldn’t be in this position if it wasn’t for her,”
Phillips said. “Every time I put the England shirt on I think of her.
“Yeah, I actually think I would not be as far in to the
tournament if I didn’t respect my grandma that way and show the love and
support she deserved.
“I do feel like she is up there looking down and cheering me
on.”
Asked about her influence, he said: “It was just her
example. She worked a lot. My mum worked in a pizza place but my grandma worked
for the Tote at the races. She was there for 50 years or 60 years. It’s just
morals in life.
“Teaching me what kind of person to be and how to treat
others and that hard work can get you as far as you want. That’s what she
taught me and it will always stick with me.”
That approach coupled with his talent as a footballer has
helped Phillips inspire the next generation in Leeds, with childhood club
Wortley receiving so much interest following his ascent that they are setting
up a women’s team.
“Have they, yeah? I didn’t know that,” he said smiling. “I
know a lot of people from Leeds are behind me and it’s spreading more through
the Yorkshire area.
“To inspire more people to be involved in football and
especially at my home town club where I started before Leeds is inspirational.
“It gives me goosebumps when I think about it and hopefully
it can carry on.”
