The Whites midfielder got his first 90 minutes of the post-season Nations League fixtures having overcome a severe dead leg to feature as a substitute against Italy at the weekend.
But Phillips looked a pale imitation of himself in a struggling England side and played a part in both of Hungary's first two goals. The Three Lions went on to lose 4-0 at Molineux as fans expressed their frustrations at boss Gareth Southgate.
One poor performance, at the end of a difficult, injury-ravaged relegation battle of a season won't harm Phillips' international prospects or his chances of making a huge move this summer. He was England's Player of the Year for 2021, playing all but 25 minutes of their run to the Euro 2020 final, and has proven himself to have top Premier League quality since helping Leeds earn promotion from the Championship.
Manchester City are reportedly preparing to make Leeds an offer for their academy product and see him as an ideal man to strengthen their defensive midfield options following the departure of Fernandinho.
Here's how the nation's media rated Phillips against Hungary.
7. TEAMtalk - 3
Samuel Bannister felt Phillips tried to be combative but risked fouls and looked off the pace, while noting his role in the opening two goals.
8. 90MIN - 2
Krishan Davis rated Phillips as England's worst player, believing him to have looked 'fatigued' and citing poor passing. He too noted the mistakes for the two goals.
9. The i - 3
Tim Sigsworth felt Phillips was a 'real contributor' to England's failure to create in possession because he saw him struggle to move the ball quickly.
10. Squawka - 3
Mohammed Butt said this was a chance for Phillips to shine, without Declan Rice next to him but felt the Leeds player looked 'rickety and rusty' and did his chances of leaving Elland Road no favours.
11. The Mirror - 7
The Mirror's player ratings video had no context or commentary, but Phillips was among the better operators they felt on a 'dark night' for Gareth Southgate and England.