Gareth Southgate was full of praise for one Manchester City player after England beat the Netherlands 2-1 to reach the final of Euro 2024.
After the Three Lions’ gut-wrenching defeat to Italy in the final of Euro 2020, Southgate has another chance at winning the tournament.
However, a Spanish side who have far and away been the best team at the tournament await the English in a blockbuster battle on Sunday night.
The likes of Phil Foden, John Stones and Kyle Walker — who have played in plenty of finals will be relishing the chance to make history in England shirts.
Gareth Southgate hails Phil Foden after reaching Euro 2024 final
The Manchester City trident have won every possible trophy in club football but it is at the international level where glory has beckoned them.
However, as experienced by the trio for City in their Champions League triumph in 2023 — once a team continues to knock on the door, they eventually win the coveted prize in knockout football.
After England defeated the Netherlands in dramatic fashion, Gareth Southgate raved about how Foden fared on Wednesday night.
Southgate told ITV Sport: “I think that’s as well as he has played in an England shirt and he had a huge, huge influence on the game.”
Jamie Carragher also described the Stockport-born midfielder’s showing as “fantastic.”
Phil Foden proves why he deserved midfield spot as England beat Netherlands
It is tough to disagree with England boss Gareth Southgate as Foden was purring in the middle of the park against the Netherlands.
Before the Three Lions beat Switzerland on penalties, City’s number 47 was deployed on the left-wing — a role that did not suit him whatsoever.
But starting in his favoured midfield position against Ronald Koeman’s side, the 24-year-old provided a sense of technical security, intelligence and calmness every time he picked up the ball.
If there is a lesson Southgate would have learned ahead of England’s upcoming clash against Spain from his team’s latest triumph, it would be to maintain the faith in Foden as one of his starting midfielders.
