The full range of Kalvin Phillips was on display at the European Championship: Tenacious pressing, impressive technique and passing vision.

The Euro 2020 Twitter account was purring, calling him the “Yorkshire Pirlo.”

In England’s midfield against Croatia, Phillips had the look of an accomplished and experienced international player. Not one who a year ago was playing in the second division having never been called up for his country, not even for the youth teams.

Even if Euro 2020 had been played on time, England coach Gareth Southgate was considering drafting the Leeds midfielder into the squad for the first time.

The pandemic-enforced delay to the tournament gave Phillips the chance to win promotion with Leeds — a club based in the historic English county of Yorkshire — and make his international debut even before his first Premier League game.