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Sound of success: Sergio Aguero enjoys fans’ cheers after the first of two goals in the Community Shield at Wembley yesterday
WHEN Gareth Southgate officially returns to work this morning, the video of Phil Foden’s Wembley performance will offer him the perfect antidote to those post-holiday blues.
With poise and maturity beyond his 18 years, Foden strode around the hallowed turf yesterday as if he had been playing there for years.
If all goes according plan, Wembley will become a second home for this supremely talented midfielder.
Southgate is convinced Foden can be the linchpin of England’s engine room for years to come. Judging by the Manchester City youngster’s work in the Community Shield he is spot on.
England’s run to the World Cup semi-finals in Russia was unforgettable — but it is in the past. Southgate will reiterate that message when he reports for duty today.
The future is Euro 2020 and beyond, and Foden could be key to that future being successful. So too could Callum HudsonOdoi, who offered glimpses of why he is seen as the best of Chelsea’s homegrown talent.
Foden and Hudson-Odoi were the heartbeat of England’s Under 17 World Cup-winning side in India last year.
Yesterday, Foden looked better equipped to take the step up into senior football.
His piercing run through the heart of Chelsea’s defence before assisting Sergio Aguero to put Manchester City ahead was unerring. The way he lured David Luiz into making a play for the ball before offloading to his Argentine colleague was the key to City’s opener. He put another chance on a plate for Aguero at the start of the second half only for the striker to waste it.
But it wasn’t just those killer passes. It was so much more. There was a moment in the second half when goalkeeper Claudio Bravo pinged a pass out to Foden. Deep inside his own half, the manner in which Foden handled the situation was arguably far more impressive than his contribution to City’s opener. An exemplary first touch, a quick look up before effortlessly side- stepping Ross Barkley to find a team-mate. Not a hint of panic.
In a snapshot, Foden embodied exactly what Southgate — and City boss Pep Guardiola — are looking for: the ability to retain possession under any circumstance.
‘We cry out for this every year: young, English players to be given a chance at top teams,’ said former England captain Rio Ferdinand yesterday. ‘ Phil Foden, there is a great season, hopefully, for him ahead.
‘England, what they lacked was that creativity, a bit of imagination, he has that in abundance, and we want to see him bring that to the Premier League.’
There are, of course, bigger tests to follow. But as the curtain raised on another season, it was one of English football’s most promising talents that left us purring with excitement.
Finally, England look to have a ball- playing central midfield capable of living up to the hype.
We’ve been here before, with Jack Wilshere, Josh McEachran and John Bostock for example.
Indeed, there is a fear for Foden — and Southgate — over the amount of football Guardiola is willing to afford him over the next nine months.
Foden is far too good for
academy and reserve level football. He looks slight and scrawny, but make no mistake, he is ready for the big time.
It’s a situation Guardiola must handle with care, but you’d back the Catalan to call it correctly.
‘He was ready last season, now he is one year more mature,’ said the manager.
‘He trained for all last year with us and it is so good to have another player with his talents. He is a Manchester City fan, a Mancunian, and that is why he is so good.’
Foden left the field to a standing ovation yesterday. More performances like this and he’d better get used to it.