Kalvin Phillips’ Yorkshire Pirlo nickname has caused quite a stir at this summer’s European Championships. So, perhaps, it is quite fitting that Phillips and the rest of the Three Lions will be facing the Italians in the final of the competition as Gareth Southgate’s side seek their first-ever Euros triumph. The Leeds United midfielder’s nickname first originated in the Championship, when he was dominating midfields week in, week out. Whites fans therefore labelled him the ‘Yorkshire Pirlo’ as a justification for his performances, but it really blew up on the European stage following England’s opening group game victory over Croatia, when Phillips put on a show against former Ballon d’or winner Luka Modric.
John Stones said: “They are two very different players! I’ve had the opportunity to play with Kalvin, and I believe he’s his own player with his own qualities. It’s funny that he’s been labelled the Yorkshire Pirlo. I’ll get on him after this. But he’s an incredible player, and to see him come through the way he has at his first major tournament I couldn’t be happier for him. He’s done himself so proud and everyone back home too.”
Stones and Phillips are just two of several players in the England squad who originate from Yorkshire, with Harry Maguire, Kyle Walker and Dominic Calvert-Lewin also coming from the same neck of the woods. The Manchester City centre back, who progressed through the ranks at Barnsley, commented on whether he thought Yorkshire has been the secret to England’s success this summer.
John Stones said: “I would like to think so! We joke about it sometimes. It’s just light-hearted. The success is down to individual quality. It’s about coming together and putting it into a team environment. I wish I could say it was down to Yorkshire, but I don’t believe it is!”
