Sheffield United: How Kalvin Phillips has reacted to big Kyle Walker update | OneFootball

Sheffield United star Kalvin Phillips has reacted to the news that ex-Blades defender Kyle Walker has retired from England duty

Sheffield United midfielder Kalvin Phillips is vying to help the Bramall Lane outfit enjoy a strong end to their Championship campaign.

Phillips joined the Blades on loan from Manchester City in the winter transfer window, but he was handed a three-match suspension on just his third appearance for Chris Wilder's men after being shown a red card in the Steel City Derby victory over Sheffield Wednesday.

The 30-year-old's only outing for his parent club this term came as a substitute in a 2-0 victory over Huddersfield Town in the EFL Cup back in September, and he will hope to earn as many minutes as possible in South Yorkshire before the Championship season ends.

Sheffield United appear unlikely to land a play-off spot after losing to Coventry City and being held to a draw by West Bromwich Albion in their last two home games.

Sheffield United star Kalvin Phillips reacts as ex-Manchester City teammate Kyle Walker announces England retirement

Phillips' former Man City teammate Kyle Walker, who started his career with the Blades, announced that he has retired from England duty on Tuesday.

The right-back made 96 appearances for the Three Lions, scoring one goal in the process, which came against Ukraine in September 2023.

Walker played a key role when England reached the World Cup semi-finals in 2018, and subsequently made it to European Championship finals in both 2020 and 2024 during Gareth Southgate's largely successful managerial reign.

The Burnley defender posted a poignant video on Instagram on Tuesday alongside the caption: "After more than a decade representing my country, I have decided to retire from international football.

"Playing for England has always been the biggest honour of my career and something I will always be proud of. Thank you to every teammate, coach, manager, the 12th man, and everyone behind the scenes who has been part of the journey.

"Every roar from the fans pushed the team along, and I’m looking forward to joining them to support the lads in the World Cup. The memories in an England shirt will stay with me forever.

"I also want to thank my family for their support every step of the way. They have made this journey even more special, and I will always be grateful to have shared it with them."

Kalvin Phillips has a big point to prove at Sheffield United - but his England days like Walker's look over

Phillips' career has not gone to plan in recent seasons, as he suffered a lack of game time with Man City before enduring tough loan spells with both West Ham United and Ipswich Town in the Premier League.

However, thanks to his past exploits with Leeds United, the Blades were confident that the 31-cap England international still has what it takes to produce the goods in the Championship.

In his first start for Sheffield United, Phillips helped Wilder's men to a 1-0 victory over Portsmouth, but he had a day to forget against Wednesday, even though the Bramall Lane club relegated their bitter rivals to League One.

Wilder also told the Sheffield Star that Phillips 'tweaked his knee' in the Steel City Derby triumph, but the suspension has given the ex-Leeds man time to rest that issue.

Phillips must ensure that he produces a strong impact when he returns to action for the Blades, as he has a point to prove after struggling in recent seasons.

But like Walker's England days are now officially done, the midfielder will almost certainly never be back in the Three Lions squad himself to add to the 31 caps he's already earned - he now has to find new goals, starting with the rest of the campaign at Bramall Lane.