The 25-year-old was an integral part of England’s run to the Euro 2020 final this month, and has proven once and for all that he is capable of mixing it with the very best players in world football.
Ultimately, Phillips was unable to help the Three Lions to a first major international trophy in 55 years, but his performances on the pitch and the manner in which he conducted himself off it has given former Leeds midfielder David Prutton plenty of reasons to be proud.
Writing in a column for the YEP, the pundit said: “I can probably second guess but there was a real sense of togetherness with England accompanied with a joy at watching the side and that was reflected with the smile that you saw from Kalvin after every game.
“He also showed wonderful empathy as he was the first lad to go up and see Bukayo Saka and console him after he missed his penalty.
“That was just the most genuine and tender moment of a team-mate seeing someone in emotional distress and wanting to solve the problem.
“When it comes to problem solving, Kalvin has done a lot of that in his footballing career by helping Leeds to get back to where they are and being an integral part of it.
“That has now also been reflected for England.
“Yes, there was disappointment that ultimately we didn’t win anything but there’s so much more around it that is so positive and joyous that we can’t lose sight of that.
“This is something for Kalvin to be stunningly proud of and he now comes back to Leeds as a first-choice international for his country and a first choice for his club in one of, if not the, most competitive and glittering divisions on the planet.
“His life will have changed with Leeds United going into the Premier League but it has gone into the stratosphere now.”
We’ve gathered the best of today’s Premier League transfer speculation below...
1. Chukwuemeka in demand
Rangers, Aston Villa, Tottenham, Newcastle United and Norwich are all monitoring Caleb Chukwuemeka, with the Villains seeing an initial bid for the Northampton Town forward rejected. (Daily Mail) (Photo by Pete Norton/Getty Images) Photo: Pete Norton
2. VILLARREAL, SPAIN - APRIL 29: Reiss Nelson of Arsenal warms up prior to the UEFA Europa League Semi-final First Leg match between Villareal CF and Arsenal at Estadio de la Ceramica on April 29, 2021 in Villarreal, Spain. Sporting stadiums around Europe remain under strict restrictions due to the Coronavirus Pandemic as Government social distancing laws prohibit fans inside venues resulting in games being played behind closed doors. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)
Arsenal could be forced to sell Reiss Nelson after talks over extending his stay at the club stalled, with Crystal Palace, Brighton and Brentford all reportedly interested in the winger. (CBS Sports) (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images) Photo: Alex Caparros
3. Carroll set to leave
Newcastle United manager Steve Bruce has said it's time for Andy Carroll to leave the club and that talks are already underway for his departure. (Various) (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images) Photo: Stu Forster
4. Clarets keen on Yarmolenko
Burnley have entered the race to sign West Ham United attacker Andriy Yarmolenko this summer. (Ekrem Konur) (Photo by PAUL ELLIS/POOL/AFP via Getty Images) Photo: PAUL ELLIS
5. Braithwaite not keen on Brighton switch
Barcelona striker Martin Braithwaite would prefer to join West Ham or Wolves instead of Brighton. (Sport) (Photo by Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images) Photo: Laurence Griffiths
6. Owls still want Peacock-Farrell
Sheffield Wednesday still harbour an interest in signing Burnley goalkeeper Bailey Peacock-Farrell this summer. (The Athletic) (Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images) Photo: Alex Livesey