Former England captain Wayne Rooney calls for Phil Foden and Jack Grealish to be in Gareth Southgate’s line-up at this summer’s European Championship
- Rooney says Foden has been among the standout performers this season
- He also believes Villa captain Grealish offers ‘something different’ to England
- Former England captain has urged Southgate to find room in his team for duo
Wayne Rooney has urged Gareth Southgate to find room in his England team for Phil Foden and Jack Grealish at this summer’s European Championship.
The former England captain says Manchester City star Foden has been among the standout performers in the Premier League this season.
And Rooney believes the 20-year-old playmaker, and Aston Villa captain Grealish, can offer Southgate another dimension.
Wayne Rooney hailed Phil Foden as ‘one of the best players in the league this season’
‘They have to be in the squad and arguably have to play, because they’re that good,’ the Derby boss said.
‘For Phil, it’s about keeping doing what he’s doing. He’s one of the best players in the league this season. Pep Guardiola has managed him really well.
‘He’s performing excellently — scoring, assisting — and hopefully he can carry that form on with England. He’s entertaining to watch. There are a few players — not just him.
‘With him, and Grealish, there is something different for the national team.’
Rooney believes Aston Villa talisman Jack Grealish offers ‘something different’ to England
Foden’s performances over recent months have caused expectations to spiral, and Rooney can relate to that after experiencing similar pressure when breaking through at Everton aged 16.
England’s record goalscorer revealed the pair used to speak regularly when their paths crossed at City’s academy.
‘When my lad (Kai) used to go into City, I used to see Phil there,’ Rooney recalled.
‘I spoke to him a couple of times and I could see he’s a very level-headed lad.
‘He was there a lot of the time, but it was just general chat, not me giving him advice.’