Not Jude Bellingham or Harry Kane, but Phil Foden is the best player England currently has, according to Wayne Rooney. The Manchester United legend also has praise for the 'sensational' Cole Palmer.
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With an international break upon us, England once again boasts a star-studded squad packed with some of the best talent in world football.
Players like Harry Kane, Jude Bellingham, Cole Palmer, Bukayo Saka, and Phil Foden are expected to carry the team through a crucial period of international fixtures. This golden generation has brought hope and excitement to England’s fan base, and there is growing belief that they can compete with the world’s best on the international stage. Among this group of players, former England captain Wayne Rooney, an icon of English football, has his eyes set on a standout talent: Manchester City's Phil Foden.
Rooney, known for his keen footballing insight, recently expressed his admiration for Foden during an interview with talkSPORT. “For me, the best player is Phil Foden. I know he hasn’t played much this season, but he’s the best player England has,” said Rooney, who himself is England's all-time leading goal scorer. His statement comes as a nod to the immense potential Foden possesses, despite the fact that the Manchester City midfielder and forward has struggled for consistent playing time this season due to illness.
Foden, who has been hailed as one of the brightest young talents in world football, has had a somewhat disrupted season so far. Illness forced him to the sidelines for several weeks, which limited his ability to feature in Guardiola's squad. However, by mid-September, Foden made his return to full training, and his reintegration into City’s squad was swift. This came as a relief not only for City fans but for the wider football community that recognizes Foden's importance to the national team. His inclusion in England’s squad under interim manager Lee Carsley is a sign that Foden is ready to regain his position as a key player for the national team.
Rooney’s high praise for Foden underscores just how influential the young midfielder has become in such a short span of time. Since breaking into Manchester City’s first team, Foden has earned widespread admiration for his technical ability, versatility, and intelligence on the ball. At just 23 years old, Foden has already won multiple Premier League titles and played in some of the most important games in world football, including the UEFA Champions League final. His ability to glide past opponents, create goal-scoring opportunities, and his calmness in front of goal have drawn comparisons to some of the greatest midfielders in the modern era.
While Foden’s recent absence from the pitch may have temporarily overshadowed his brilliance, his return to form is timely as England looks ahead to international fixtures against Greece and Finland. These matches are not just opportunities for England to assert their dominance, but also for Foden to re-establish himself as one of the best young players in the world. Rooney, who knows all too well the pressures of performing on the international stage, believes Foden is more than capable of carrying that responsibility.
However, Foden is not the only player catching the eye this season. Cole Palmer, who made a high-profile move to Chelsea from Manchester City during the summer transfer window, has also been in sensational form. Palmer, a dynamic and creative forward, has quickly adapted to life at Stamford Bridge, delivering standout performances and contributing goals and assists for his new club. Rooney acknowledged Palmer’s impressive start at Chelsea, stating, “He’s been sensational since joining Chelsea, but for me, the best is still Phil Foden. I love watching him play.”
Rooney's remarks about Palmer highlight the depth of talent currently emerging within English football. Palmer, like Foden, represents the future of the national team. At just 21 years old, Palmer is already making a name for himself at one of the biggest clubs in the world, and his rise to prominence has been rapid. His technical ability, composure, and footballing intelligence make him a perfect fit for Chelsea’s attacking style, and his performances have already begun to justify the significant investment made in him.
Yet, despite Palmer’s emergence and the undeniable quality of players like Bellingham and Saka, Rooney remains steadfast in his belief that Foden is England’s most gifted player. His ability to play in multiple positions whether as a winger, a central midfielder, or even as a false nine gives him a versatility that few players possess. Foden’s understanding of the game, combined with his natural flair and creativity, makes him an invaluable asset for both Manchester City and the England national team.
The upcoming matches against Greece and Finland will be an important test for England as they prepare for future international tournaments. England’s performances in these games will be closely watched, not just for the results but for the individual displays of their star players. Foden, in particular, will be under the spotlight as he seeks to remind the world why he is regarded as one of the most talented footballers of his generation. With Rooney’s endorsement, the pressure will be on Foden to deliver, but if his past performances are anything to go by, he is more than capable of living up to the hype.
As England embarks on this latest chapter of their international journey, the focus will naturally shift toward the team’s younger players who represent the future. Players like Foden, Palmer, and Bellingham are not just the stars of tomorrow they are the stars of today. And with Rooney’s vote of confidence, it’s clear that the expectations for these players are sky-high. However, if they can continue to develop and fulfill their potential, England’s future on the international stage looks brighter than ever.
Rooney’s words serve as a reminder of just how special Phil Foden is, and with the support of his country and teammates, Foden has the opportunity to cement himself as one of the best players in the world. England fans will be hoping that the young playmaker can continue to shine for both club and country, leading them to success on the international stage for years to come.
