Former Leeds United midfielder Kalvin Phillips has ensured he remains true to his Yorkshire roots in Qatar by taking plenty of Yorkshire Tea in his suitcase. Phillips and his England teammates are set to face Senegal this evening as they look to secure a place in the quarter finals of the World Cup.
The 27-year-old has been somewhat of a bit part player in comparison to his exploits at the EUROs almost 18 months ago, but did mark his first appearance of the tournament against Wales with an assist for Marcus Rashford. He had been struggling with a shoulder injury in the weeks prior to the World Cup but remains a consistent figure in Gareth Southgate's squad.
Phillips was speaking on the 'Lions Den' ahead of this evening's clash with Senegal, revealing he has brought plenty of teabags along with him to Qatar, before explaining how tough he feels the game will be.
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He said: "I get along with John [Stones] very well, he's a good lad and he's a Yorkshire lad as well. Yeah, I've got quite a few [Yorkshire Tea] packed in the suitcase. My family have asked me to bring some next time I see them because they've run out."
Away from the Yorkshire Tea chat, Phillips insists his side are not going into the clash with any complacency.
"No, even in the group stages you've seen how many teams have slipped up against smaller nations so you can't really take it for granted. Obviously I know Senegal are a massive team and they've done so well over the last few years.
"They're missing who I think is one of the best in the world right now in Mane but they are still a very good team with very good players. When it gets to knockout football there is that extra bit of pressure as well, the fact it might go to extra time or penalties."
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