Foden can be central figure for Southgate

FOR a time, Gareth Southgate wouldn't select Phil Foden because he wasn't playing regularly for City.

- JOER BRAY

Fair enough and the Three Lions boss kept his word by slowly integrating a young Foden into the senior England set-up once he was confident that regular games were likely to continue at the Etihad.

Pep Guardiola has been firm in his stance that Foden's early development should come on the wings, away from the defensive responsibility he wasn't ready for. It was a way to give Foden time to enjoy playing at the highest level, scoring goals and winning trophies.

Now, with the wing positions at City more competitive, Foden has knuckled down off the pitch and shown his value as a number ten in recent outings for his club. He says he feels alive in the position and wants to play there more. The international break should come at a perfect time for that.