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Leeds United star Kalvin Phillips says he is the dog that chases after people alongside Declan Rice in England's midfield - and one who is a huge fan of a particular current Italy midfielder.

Philips and West Ham star Rice have formed a strong partnership at the heart of the Three Lions midfield, Phillips having rapidly amassed 18 caps for his country having only made his international debut last September.

Gareth Southgate's Euro 2020 runners-up are now on the verge of sealing their qualification spot for next year's World Cup, needing just a point from Monday night's Group I finale against hosts San Marino to seal their flight to Qatar.

England are approaching the contest following Friday night's 5-0 romp at home to Albania in which Phillips bagged his 18th cap for his country but this time alongside Jordan Henderson in the middle of park.

THRIVING PARTNERSHIP: Between Leeds United's Kalvin Phillips, left, and West Ham's Declan Rice, right, for England. Photo by Carl Recine - Pool/Getty Images.

Rice has withdrawn from the current squad due to illness and Phillips has spoken glowingly about his blossoming partnership with the 22-year-old Hammers star who Phillips says will only get better.

"I love playing with Declan," Phillips told PA Sport.

"We're two very similar players but work in different ways when we play together.

"Declan is almost a protector in front of the back four and I'm almost a dog that goes running after people that have got the ball.

'He can rat about' - Kalvin Phillips ponders similarities to present day Italy star and makes Declan Rice prediction