John Stones delighted to play with 'frightening' Phil Foden for both England & Man City

  • Stones happy to play with Foden
  • Says the 22-year-old is "frightening"
  • Foden started and scored against Wales

WHAT HAPPENED? Stones has joined the likes of Gary Neville in heaping praise on the 22-year-old who hasn't played his way into Gareth Southgate's plans just yet, despite many a player and pundit saying Foden should be starting.

WHAT THEY SAID: Speaking in a press conference, Stones said: "I've never seen anyone like Phil, at that age, with his ability and his football knowledge. It is the freedom in how he plays and how he expresses himself. It is frightening. I am a huge fan of him. I am lucky to play with him every day. I am lucky, Man City are lucky and England are lucky."

THE BIGGER PICTURE: Foden hasn't really been able to lay his mark down thus far, only starting one of England's three group games with the likes of Mason Mount and Marcus Rashford preferred. The same can't be said for Stones who has partnered Harry Maguire in every England game thus far. That looks set to continue with Southgate seemingly decided on his centre-back pairing.

IN THREE PHOTOS:

Stones-England-World-CupGetty

Phil Foden England 2022Getty Images

Gareath Southgate(C)Getty Images

WHAT NEXT FOR FODEN? After starting and scoring against Wales in England's final group game, Foden will be hoping to start against Senegal in the Three Lions' round of 16 tie on Sunday.

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