Stan Collymore has been full of praise for Phil Foden on Twitter, and Gary Lineker agreed with his view on the Manchester City maestro after starting England’s draw with Hungary.
Gareth Southgate trusted the 21-year-old with picking the locks as the Three Lions hosted Hungary at Wembley on Tuesday night. Foden played a similar role for England as they beat Andorra 5-0 on Saturday, as well, but was unable to match his assist from the rout.
Foden had missed England’s previous three World Cup qualifiers, as the Manchester City product recovered from a foot injury. The blow cut short his Euro 2020 campaign, missing the final against eventual winners Italy in July.
Collymore was full of praise for Manchester City’s Foden before and after England’s draw with Hungary. The former Three Lions striker hailed his ability to impact games in multiple positions. While backing Foden to potentially lead Southgate’s side to World Cup glory.
“Foden is a playmaker. It’s that simple,” Collymore tweeted. “Fact he can play in a front-three is a bonus, a cherry on top of the cake. But halfway to penalty spot in a straight line (passing, creativity, going past people) is where World Cups are won. Give him the keys, let him unlock the doors.”
Lineker agreed with Collymore’s assessment, simply replying: “Exactly”.
Collymore added further praise for Foden following England’s draw with Hungary, noting of the Manchester City midfielder: “Foden wanted to be everywhere tonight. A sign of the enthusiasm the kid has after being given a different role.
“Also needs to learn to stand still sometimes. It’s the position that matters, not how much work you do to get there. Great playmakers can make less is more an art form.”
Can Manchester City ace Foden lead England to World Cup glory?
Foden returned to action following the last international break and scored his first goal of the Premier League season as Manchester City drew 2-2 with Liverpool last time out. He had also scored and assisted twice as the Citizens beat Wycombe 6-1 in the Carabao Cup.
He has not scored internationally since opening his account with a brace, plus an assist, against Iceland in November 2020. But Foden was eye-catching against Andorra, and offered occasional glimpses of that game-changing ability for England against Hungary.
Foden offered exquisite creativity against Andorra to find Jadon Sancho and later feed Bukayo Saka. The Manchester City maestro again created chances for England at home to Hungary, including the free-kick John Stones turned in. Putting the ball into a dangerous position for Tyrone Mings and Declan Rice to flick-on before finding the Citizens defender.
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