John Stones has backed England and Manchester City team-mate Phil Foden to show the world how good he is at Euro 2024 and claims he could win player of the tournament in the process.
Foden heads to Germany after a fine season at the Etihad Stadium, scoring 19 goals and laying on eight assists as City won an unprecedented fourth straight Premier League title.
Such form saw the 24-year-old named Manchester City player of the year, Premier League player of the year and Football Writers’ Association footballer of the year.
Now he will be hoping to shine in England’s quest to land a first major men’s trophy in 58 years, starting with Sunday’s Group C opener against Serbia.
Asked if Foden could be player of the tournament at Euro 2024, Stones replied: “Yes. I’m biased, I think he’s absolutely incredible. First how he plays the game, so silky playing like he’s in the park.
“I feel like he has brought so much to his game. Goals, maturity, knowing of situations, his pressing.
“This season has been incredible for him and I hope and I’m sure he will bring that to the tournament.”
‘Foden frustrated by last Euros’
Stones and Foden have shared plenty of success at Manchester City
With four goals in 34 caps, Foden has shown flashes of his talent in an England shirt but has so far been unable to replicate his consistent club form on the international stage – although Stones thinks that could soon change.
“Yes, 100 per cent,” he added when it was put to him that Foden should be on a level with world-class players such as Jude Bellingham and Kylian Mbappe.
“I think it probably suits Phil that maybe that [spotlight] is not all on him. We all know the quality that he’s got, what he can bring and does for the team.
Stones and Foden will be hoping to recreate their club form at international level
“I think in these occasions, it’s where it brings it out of you and maybe it’s time to show the world what he can really do.
“Hopefully he stays fit and healthy for everyone, especially Phil, I know he was frustrated at the last Euros.
“He got an injury on his foot which kind of stopped him because he was playing incredible and training really well. That kind of stopped him.
“I feel Phil is someone who doesn’t feel anything on the outside, he just plays the game so freely. I hope he comes and does what Phil can do for us, which I know he wants to. He is very proud of being here and representing his country.”
Trippier: Foden’s ability is frightening
Meanwhile, Kieran Trippier singled “frightening” Foden out for praise when talking about the quality among Gareth Southgate’s 26-man squad.
“Training’s gone really well, finally to get out here and prepare for the game against Serbia,” he said.
“We’ve worked, tactics, the training has been frightening, really – the style and everything about the quality – so we’re all happy, we’re all prepared and ready.
“To be honest with you, I can’t pick out individuals, because everybody’s been quality, but obviously Phil Foden is Phil Foden. He’s always one of my favourite players.
“With Phil, I could walk back into the camp and he’s got a ball at his feet. He’s obsessed with football.
“Everybody sees him on the pitch, but what people don’t see in training is his vision, his technique, and his ability is frightening.”
Keane: Foden has ability to affect games
Roy Keane has also backed Foden to shine for England, adding that he can draw on his experiences at club level with Man City from last season.
He told ITV Sport: “There are different dynamics from club to international level, but the most important thing for attacking players is he [Foden] can affect the game, like he has done for Man City, so wherever he is on the pitch, he can affect the game.
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Ahead of their opener with Serbia, England striker Harry Kane is confident the Euro 2024 ball will be to the liking of strikers during the tournament
“He has matured and shown great leadership quality for Man City, particularly earlier in the season when they were missing some really important players, his goalscoring record and form.
“There’s no doubt in my mind that wherever he plays for England, he will affect the game. He has that football intelligence, he knows when to drift in, when to come out wide, he affects games, that is the bottom line.
“The great players have courage not to make mistakes, and Foden has that in abundance, and that is the least of his worries.”
Gary Neville added: “To play for your country how you play for your club is really difficult, and Gareth Southgate has made players play better for their country than they have for their clubs, and it is incredible what he has achieved in these last five, six, seven years.
“So there is nothing to worry about for Foden, he should just go out and do what he does and he will be fine and there is no problem with him on the left.”
‘England haven’t got the best out of Foden’
Foden helped Manchester City become the first team in English top-flight history to win the title in four consecutive seasons
Sky Sports News reporter Rob Dorsett:
“Foden has been absolutely outstanding this season.
“Just read his honours. At the age of 24, the Premier League’s player of the season has won six Premier League titles, he’s won the Champions League, two FA Cups, four League Cups, one Super Cup and the U17 World Cup with England.
“He’s been absolutely brilliant, but England haven’t got the best out of him, especially when he’s played at No 10. It’s as simple as that.
“I expect him to be starting on the wide left with Jude Bellingham starting at No 10.”
The key dates for England
All times BST
Sunday June 16 – Serbia vs England, Gelsenkirchen, kick-off 8pm
Thursday June 20 – Denmark vs England, Frankfurt, kick-off 5pm
Tuesday June 25 – England vs Slovenia, kick-off 8pm