Phil Foden tipped for Euro 2024 player of the tournament by England teammate
Foden arrives in Germany under the radar with Jude Bellingham and Harry Kane filling the England spotlight
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.John Stones believes his Manchester City and England teammate Phil Foden is a potential player of the tournament at Euro 2024.
Foden was named Footballer of the Year after scoring a career-best 27 goals to help City win a fourth consecutive Premier League title.
He has only scored four goals in 34 caps for his country and is yet to replicate that form consistently in an England shirt but Stones feels Foden could prove the outstanding individual in Germany in the next month.
“Yes, I’m biased, I think he’s absolutely incredible,” he said. “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.”
Stones feels Foden, who missed the final of Euro 2020 with injury, has been unfortunate he has not had such a defining influence in a major international tournament so far.
“In Euro 2020, I’m sure he got an injury on his foot which kind of stopped because he was playing incredible and training really well,” he said. “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.”
With England also boasting the Bundesliga’s top scorer, in Harry Kane, and LaLiga’s player of the season, in Jude Bellingham, much of the attention is not focused on Foden.
And Stones added: “I think it probably suits Phil that maybe that it's not all on him. I believe and we all know that the quality that he's got what he can bring and does for the team and I think in these occasions, it's where it brings out of you and maybe it's time to show the world what he can really do.”
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments