Leeds United have produced a number of England internationals over the past few years.
The club has produced one of the country’s best talents in Archie Gray. Even though the Spurs player is a teenager, there are very high hopes that he will play for the Three Lions in the future.
Another is Leeds academy graduate Kalvin Phillips won England Men’s player of the year in 2021 after an outstanding season for club and country. The midfielder earned a big move to Premier League champions Manchester City. But since then, the 28-year old has not been able to rediscover his form after an unlucky run of injuries. He is also out of favour with City boss Pep Guardiola, and has been on loan over the past year. Phillips almost moved back to Elland Road this summer, but joined Ipswich Town.
Both Gray and Phillips have been linked with a return to Elland Road in recent weeks.
QUIZ: Can you name these past and present Leeds United players?
Former Leeds United star could be an England international soon
Credit: Imago Images
Phillips is teammates with another former Leeds United player at club level. Leif Davis, joined Leeds in 2018 as a youngster, but failed to break into the first team. The defender never made more than 10 appearances for the club during his four year stay. He was eventually snapped up by Ipswich Town in 2022. Leeds sold Davis for just £1million, a bargain fee.
Ipswich finished second in the Championship last season and were automatically promoted to the Premier League. Leif Davis provided 18 assist in the Championship last year. The left back is highly rated as one of the best English fullbacks in the Premier League. His exploits have been remarkable and has been suggested for an England callup.
Kalvin Phillips, who has over 30 England cups, believes his Ipswich Town teammate has what it takes to play for the Three Lions:
“I was surprised he wasn’t called up to the last squad. Against Tottenham I thought he was very good. He’s definitely one of the best in the league. I just feel like there’s space for a natural attacking left-back, which is probably the way that (Thomas) Tuchel will want to play.
“I feel like I’m expecting the call-up for Leif more than he is expecting it. I’ve not really said it to him much, because I don’t want to make him feel pressurised, but I do feel like his time is going to come and when it comes I just want him to be able to grab it with both hands.”
It is remarkable how a player passed through Elland Road, made less than 10 appearances but is now close to the England national team.
