'Foden was always going to be a star'

Image source, Getty Images

  • Author, Simon Stone
  • Role, Chief football news reporter

England Under-17s World Cup-winning team-mate Steven Sessegnon knew Phil Foden was going to be a star the first time he came across him.

Sessegnon was playing for Fulham in a Premier League youth tournament when he came across Foden, who was making his way at Manchester City.

"It was under-13s or under-14s," said Sessgnon. "Little Fulham against big Manchester City.

"We put in the performance of our lives. We wanted it so much and the intensity was amazing.

"Then they put a long ball forward, someone headed it out, and little Phil Foden - who was about four foot - took it on his chest, no bounce, no step and put it into the top corner. We thought: 'Who is this kid?'

"He plays at a ridiculous level. Phil has been 'that' guy since he was young. It is no surprise where he is."