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Euro 2020

30th Jun 2021

Kalvin Phillips had special tribute written on boot for England victory

Kieran Galpin

A lovely gesture

For any hardcore footie fans or fans of grannies in general, Granny Val will surely be an icon you remember fondly. She rose to stardom thanks to Amazon’s Leeds United Take Me Home documentary and now had a special place in last night’s match.

Her grandson, midfielder Kalvin Phillips, had her name engraved on his boots.

Granny Val sadly passed away in February due to Covid, but she was very much present for her grandson’s victory last night.

“She was very caring, she’s very nosey, but she was a lovely, lovely woman,” Phillips said.

“She’d be saying ‘don’t let it [his England performances] get to your head and make sure you do just as well in the next game’.

“She always listened to it on the radio and then would ring me five or six times after the game, ask if I’m alright, ask how I played, if I did something wrong.”

In February, following her sudden passing, Phillips shared an emotional tribute to his hero.

“I can’t put into words what you are to me and my family – the absolute Queen of our hearts,” he wrote.

“I just know how fortunate I was to have you in my life, she was an unforgettable person as I’m sure many of you know.

“I wouldn’t be where I am today if it wasn’t for you and the heartbreak I feel now is incomparable, I’m just glad the world got to see how much you mean to me, and you got to experience how much of an impact you made on me and also other people from around the world which is something you always deserved.

“Rest in peace Gran, you will forever be in my heart. I love you.”

Everyone is certain that Granny Val would be immensely proud of England, and her grandson’s performance.