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KYLE Walker enjoys playing in the same City team as Phil Foden - but doesn’t want to be lining up with him in an England shirt just yet.

The former Tottenham defender has just returned from one of the most successful World Cup campaigns ever for the Three Lions, losing in extra-time of the semifinals to Croatia.

As expectation grows around Gareth Southgate’s side, Foden’s name is one that has been floated as attention has turned to the future of the team and how they can be even better for Qatar in 2022.

Action has already been taken to fast-track the youngster through the system, moving him up to the Under-19 squad after he excelled at the Under-17 World Cup in October. As for the player himself, Foden is nonplussed by the added expectation – mind you, he seems pretty carefree about everything as long as he has a ball at his feet.

For Walker, though, there would be a danger in moving the Stockport teenager up to the senior squad too soon.

“I believe so,” said Walker. “That’s just my opinion. I’m not the manager, the manager picks the team.

“I think [Foden] needs to come through and be nurtured the right way. We have seen a lot of people being given the opportunity too early, and it kind of swallows them up.

“So I think let’s just let him keep playing football and leave it up to the other people who have got to make those decisions.”

Walker would not advocate caution with Foden if he had not seen something special from the 18-year-old.

The youngster, who introduced himself with a terrific performance in a friendly against United last July, has worked his way into City’s firstteam squad.

A summer spent working closely with the manager and Mikel Arteta has increased his progression to the extent that Pep Guardiola is now answering questions on him as he would Kevin de Bruyne or Ilkay Gundogan.

Foden admits the ability to learn from the coaching staff means it is more beneficial for him to stay at the Etihad rather than go out on loan, even if it means fewer games, and his attitude has gone down well with seasoned professional Walker.

“Phil trained with us all last year. What a talent he is,” he said.

“He is a kid that wants to learn, which is rare these days because you see a lot of the kids coming through that have got a little bit of a chip on their shoulder.

“But it’s full credit to him and probably his family as well for what he does, and he puts in the work as well.

“He wants to learn, so it is a pleasure to play with him.”