Phil Foden is undoubtedly a crucial player for Manchester City and England.
After making 53 appearances for Pep Guardiola’s side across all competitions last season, the 24-year-old was selected to represent England in the 2024 European Championship.
With six games played in the tournament, Foden has started all of them, making him one of the eight players in Gareth Southgate’s squad to do so alongside fellow City teammates John Stones and Kyle Walker.
Having helped the Three Lions secure a place in Sunday’s final by beating the Netherlands 2-1 on Wednesday, the six-time Premier League champion shared his admiration for one Manchester United figure he has experience playing with and against.
Phil Foden says he’s been impressed by Kobbie Mainoo
Speaking to the media (via BBC Sport) after the Netherlands game, Foden had this to say when asked about Kobbie Mainoo and what it’s been like to play with him for England recently.
He said: “He looks so experienced and like he has been playing the game for years. It is nice to play with him and I am enjoying it.”
Foden and Mainoo have become a key duo for England
Last month, Mainoo heaped praise on the 24-year-old’s technical ability, describing his ball control as “crazy.”
Foden has played in eight senior England games with the 19-year-old, who has started alongside the City star in the Three Lions’ three previous games in the current tournament.
This shows that the Mancunian duo have become key figures for Southgate’s side and have played a vital role in getting England into this weekend’s final against Spain.
Looking back over the game against Ronald Koeman’s side, the teenager showed his defensive ability by making two tackles, two interceptions and winning the three ground duels he was involved in.
With that in mind, it’s easy to see why Foden has been so impressed by the United youngster.
