John Stones has backed England and Manchester City team-mate Phil Foden to show the world just how good he can be at Euro 2024 – and claimed he could be player of the tournament in the process.
Foden heads to Germany after a fine season at the Etihad Stadium. With 19 goals and 8 assists, City won an unprecedented fourth successive Premier League title.
This form has seen the 24-year-old named Manchester City Player of the Year, Premier League Player of the Year and Football Writers' Association Footballer of the Year.
Now he will be hoping to shine in England's quest to win their first men's major trophy in 58 years, starting with Sunday's Group C opener against Serbia.
Asked whether Foden could be a player of the Euro 2024 tournament, Stones replied: “Yes, I’m biased. I think he’s amazing. First of all, how he plays the game, he plays it so smoothly, like he’s in the park.”
Use the Chrome browser for a more accessible video player
Sky Sports News' Rob Dorsett examines the three big dilemmas facing Gareth Southgate ahead of England's Euro 2024 opener against Serbia.
“I think he brings a lot to his game: goals, maturity, awareness of situations, pressing.
“This has been an incredible season for him and I am confident he will carry that forward into the tournament.”
'Foden was frustrated with the last Euro'
Stones and Foden have enjoyed much success at Manchester City.
Foden, who has scored four goals in 34 appearances, has shown flashes of his talent in an England shirt but has so far failed to replicate his consistent club form on the international stage. The Stones think that could soon change.
“Yes, 100%.” When told that Foden should be on par with world-class players such as Jude Bellingham and Kylian Mbappe, he added:
“I think it suits Phil that perhaps that (spotlight) may not be everything to him. We all know the qualities he has, what he can bring and what he does for the team.
Stones and Foden will be hoping to replicate the club's form at international level.
“I think in cases like this, that’s where it comes from and maybe it’s time to show the world what he can really do.
“I hope he stays healthy for everyone, especially Phil. I know he was frustrated at the last Euros.”
“He had a foot injury, which stopped him because he played amazing and trained really well, that kind of stopped him.
“I think Phil is a guy who doesn't feel anything on the outside. He plays the game very freely. I hope he comes and does what Phil can do for us. I know what he wants. He's very proud of himself. . He's here and representing his country.”
Trippier: Foden's abilities are scary
Meanwhile, Kieran Trippier singled out the “frightening” Foden for praise as he spoke about the quality of Gareth Southgate's 26-man squad.
“Training has gone really well and we are finally ready to get out here and prepare for the game against Serbia,” he said.
“We've been absolutely ferocious in training, tactics and training – everything about style and quality – so we're all happy and ready.
“To be honest, I can’t pick any individual because they’ve all been great, but obviously Phil Foden is Phil Foden. He’s always been one of my favorite players.
“With Phil I could come back to camp and he had the ball at his feet. He was into football.
“Everyone sees him on the pitch, but what people don’t see in training is his vision, his technique and his ability.”
'England didn't get the best results from Foden'
Foden helped Manchester City become the first team in English top-flight history to win the title in four consecutive seasons.
Sky Sports News reporter Rob Dorsett:
“Foden has been outstanding this season.
“Read about his honours: The 24-year-old Premier League Player of the Year has won six Premier League titles with England, the Champions League, two FA Cups, four League Cups, one Super Cup and the U17 World Cup .
“He was really good, but England didn’t get the best out of him, especially when he played in number 10. It’s as simple as that.”
“I expect him to start out wide on the left with Jude Bellingham starting at number 10.”
Key dates in England
Always BST
Saturday, June 16th – Serbia v England, Gelsenkirchen, 8pm kick-off
Thursday, June 20th – Denmark v England, Frankfurt, 5pm kick-off
Tuesday, June 25th – England v Slovenia, 8pm kick-off
