Phil Foden is giving Pep Guardiola exactly what he needs and could save Man City £60m

Phil Foden is yet to score or assist at Euro 2024, but the tournament has been far from a failure for the Manchester City forward.

Starting every game for England, Foden has faced criticism for his contributions - tied in with criticism of Gareth Southgate for his tactics around the forward. Yet Foden has kept his head down, done the job asked of him, and is a crucial cog in England's semi-final run.

Only four players have covered more distance at the tournament, all more defensive players. His 58.2km is the most of any forward, highlighting his work in pressing and working for the team.

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He's also found his voice in Germany.

Foden has defended manager Southgate, and this week spoke well on England's new formation in the quarter-finals. He's been confident in discussing the outside criticism that England face, and was one of the first to console City teammate Manu Akanji when he missed the decisive penalty in the last game.

Having briefly departed the England camp to return home for the birth of his third child, Foden seems to have stepped up off the pitch this month as well as playing a selfless role on it. Pep Guardiola spoke earlier this year that he could unlock his potential with the arrival of his new baby, and the early signs could point to that being the case.

“I would love him to go in sixth gear in every single action but afterwards you are less precise, you lose the ball all the time and that is not effective,” Guardiola said in April. “You have to reduce the time so you know the moments when you have to be more aggressive