Steve McClaren has said that Kalvin Phillips must be playing in the Premier League before he can be considered for an England call-up. The Leeds United man has been a revelation for Marcelo Bielsa's side this term leading to calls for him to be given a chance in Gareth Southgate's international plans. While Phillips is destined for a career at the highest level, the former England boss believes that he must ensure that he is in the top tier next term - whether that's with or without Leeds United.

Asked by Sky Sports News if Phillips is ready for an England call, McClaren said: "He needs to play in the Premier League first.

"He needs to get up with Leeds. He needs to be effective in that position and show he can handle that.
"In that position it's not so much a priority in the Premier League, more in the Championship. In that position you need to be a little bit more mobile in the Premier League.
"It's not just a six, there's usually a double six where you have to be more mobile and more effective. I've seen him do that.
"In the last couple of years under Bielsa he's been a sitter, controller and dominated the game. In the Premier League I don't think he'd be able to do that as much. I'll be interested to see that.
"The step up to England is phenomenal in terms of mentality, physically and mobility. He's got the credentials, he's got the ability, the talent and he's maturing. He's got to make that step." How many of Leeds United's number 10s can you remember?  

The verdict

There's no doubt that Kalvin Phillips is a future England international.

While he's been excellent for Leeds United it's time for him to make the next step and move into the Premier League.

Leeds will be hoping that they can secure promotion in order to match his ambitions, but if not it could be difficult to keep him at the club.

Once he has settled into the top flight it'd be hard to bet against him getting a call-up.