Man City hero Phil Foden told why he is 'the future of English football'

Phil Foden has been hailed as “the future of English football” by former Manchester City defender Bacary Sagna, who rates him as the best young player on the planet behind Erling Haaland.

The England international is set to be picked for his debut World Cup following an impressive Euro 2020 campaign last summer. Afterwards, the 22-year-old was named Premier League Young Player of the Year for a second time after City’s title win.

Foden has featured in every game for City this season, scoring three times and providing two assists in nine matches. He is expected to make his eighth straight league start this term in this Sunday’s Manchester derby after starting both of England’s recent Nations League games.

READ MORE: Man City and Pep Guardiola cannot control the next step Phil Foden takes

The playmaker has already racked up a wealth of experience since breaking through the ranks in 2017. He also has a full trophy cabinet too, which houses four Premier Leagues, four League Cups, an FA Cup and the 2017 Under-17 World Cup.

Sagna sang the praises of Foden - whose current contract expires in 2024 - detailing which aspects of his character indicate he will be the leading light for England in the coming years.

"Honestly, I think he is the best young player in the world behind Erling Halaand,” he told Lord Ping. “They are both 22 - it is amazing what they are doing. He [Foden] is fearless, confident.

“He doesn’t care who is facing and backs himself to always deliver, which is very difficult at his age. He fully deserves a new contract. He is enjoying his football and he is a key player for City.”

Sagna added: “To have the personality to be one of the main men in this City team at his age tells you everything you need to know