Foden eyes big success with new generation

Manchester City midfielder Phil Foden believes England’s young guns can be as good as the ‘Golden Generation’ as he eyes Euro 2020.

The 18-year-old will be handed his England Under-21 debut against Andorra tonight or against Scotland o n Tuesday.

The Young Lions need apoint from their final two Group Four games to qualify for Euro 2019.

England’s latest young crop of talent has been dubbed the new ‘Golden Generation’ after the David Beckham, Paul Scholes and Steven Gerrard era - although they failed to meet expectations.

The age groups have won the Under-17 World Cup, Under-20 World Cup and the Toulon Tournament for three straight years.

And Foden believes the current crop of talent can become individually as good as the past stars.

He said: “Yeah, definitely. We have got a lot of quality in the team and Jadon (Sancho) is an example. If you are playing well, he (Gareth Southgate) will give you a chance and he isn’t scared to call you up no matter what your age.

“It is exciting time times for England with all these exciting kids coming through.

“Hopefully in the future we can win the World Cup. I think it is really good and it is going well.”

Foden has made five appearances for City this season as he tries to make an impression under Pep Guardiola.

He will be under consideration for Euro 2019, should the under-21s qualify as expected, but admits Euro 2020 remains an aim.

“Yeah, definitely. I’m hoping so. If it doesn’t happen, I will just keep working hard,” he said.

England Under-21s host Andorra in Chesterfield tonight - exactly a year since Foden scored in England Under-17s’ 3-2 group stage win over Mexico at the World Cup.

He also scored twice in the final as England beat Spain 5-2 to lift the trophy.