Four youngsters who could inspire England to future glory

#4: Phil Foden

Manchester City Training Session — Phil Foden

While England’s entire U17 World Cup winning squad was impressive in 2017, undoubtedly the brightest shining star was Manchester City’s baby-faced midfielder Phil Foden. The City youngster scored 3 goals during the tournament, including a brace in the 5-2 victory over Spain in the tournament final, and was handed the Golden Ball as the best player in the competition.

Able to play as a classical #10 in the centre of midfield, Foden has already earned comparisons to a young version of his City teammate David Silva – praise of the highest nature – and is a tremendous dribbler who is rarely dispossessed. He also appears to be able to thread a key pass through the eye of a needle and shoot from range too – all of which add up to some serious potential.

It appears that City manager Pep Guardiola is a firm believer in Foden’s talents – he was given 5 Premier League and 3 Champions League appearances in 2017/18 as City romped to the Premier League title, and that meant that he became the youngest ever player to receive a Premier League winner’s medal.

If Foden is given more game time this season – and there’s nothing to suggest that won’t happen given City’s packed schedule and Guardiola’s known penchant for using young talent – then there’s no reason why he can’t force his way into Southgate’s senior England squad.

Southgate has already shown he’s willing to embed youth into the England team even when they’re not regularly playing for their club, and so Foden could easily be fast-tracked into the side before the 2018/19 season is out.

About the author

Scott is a veteran MMA writer with over two decades of experience, including his ongoing tenure in Sportskeeda, which began seven years ago. He has written over 3000 pieces for the organization, while also covering football. Before joining Sportskeeda, Scott wrote articles for websites like The Oratory and Inside Pulse MMA.

Scott has a degree in history, which drives his research skills and helps him compile accurate information. His long stint in the field helps Scott provide a clear take on important topics, such as the criticism of promotions regarding fighter pay. While he feels fighters deserve a bigger revenue share, he doesn’t want MMA to suffer with purse-split issues.

Scott’s work has been previously reshared by the former UFC middleweight champion Chris Weidman. He uses credible sources, such as the UFC’s official website, during the writing process.

His dedication to MMA writing won him the Feature Writer of the Month award for Sportskeeda in November 2021.

Outside of work, Scott likes to go to the gym, walk his dog, and travel.

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Edited by Ben Winfield