Vardy England Call Delights Phillips

Vardy’s form soon caught the eye of England boss Roy Hodgson, who named him in the squad to take on the Republic of Ireland in a friendly on 7 June as well as a Euro 2016 Qualifier in Slovenia seven days later. 

Vardy is one of three uncapped players in the squad, alongside QPR’s Charlie Austin and Burnley’s Tom Heaton, and Phillips, who himself played eight times for England, told Foxes Player: “I’m delighted for him. It’s a great honour and I’ve told him to grasp it with both hands. 

“I had the pleasure of playing for my country. It’s the best honour you can get and I hope he does himself justice. 

“I’m sure he will, it won’t faze him and hopefully we’ll talk later in the summer about Jamie Vardy being a top goal scorer for England.” 

Speaking after Leicester City’s 5-1 final day victory over Queens Park Rangers at King Power Stadium, Phillips was thrilled with the form all of his strikers have ended the season in. 

Vardy, Leo Ulloa and Andrej Kramaric all found the net on Sunday to crown a brilliant run of results, and Phillips gave an insight into just how much hard work had gone on to make it happen. 

Phillips added: “The strikers have been fantastic again and chipped in with the goals. We’ve worked tirelessly on the training pitch and at times you’re thinking ‘am I doing the right thing?’ 

“It’s paid off in the end though, and along with the defending, the goals have helped to keep us in the league. Collectively the lads have been outstanding.” 

The victory over QPR set the scene for a lap of appreciation from the City players and staff in recognition of the fans, and Phillips was full of praise for both. 

He said: “[It’s not about me] It’s about the players. I’ve had this throughout my career but my career has finished and now it’s for them. 

“It’s fantastic for them. What a magnificent achievement and they deserve every bit of applause they get this afternoon. 

“They’ve been a credit to themselves and the Football Club, and so have the fans. We could have easily lost the supporters throughout the season but they stuck by the side, have been outstanding and they’ve got the rewards.”