Their home towns form a triangle. Palmer, 22, is from in Wythenshawe in Manchester, while the other two come from Stockport - Mainoo, 19, is from the suburb of Cheadle Hulme, while Foden, 24, grew up in Edgeley.
Here, bars, coffee shops and homes are decked out in England's red and white, as Mancunians and Stopfordians nervously await the big game. And for those who know the three England players, the excitement is even greater, and nerves even more frayed.
Everyone, football fan or not, is proud of their local talent.
Joe Makin is in his 30th season coaching Reddish Vulcans, where Foden played before he moved to Manchester City. "It wasn't just a normal little boy playing football.
You had a feeling something special was happening there when you were watching him," he says. "His balance, and the ability to turn and leave other children in his wake at seven years of age, it was something different."
On the street where Foden grew up, a stone's throw from Stockport County's ground, Edgeley Park, many of the houses are decked out with England flags. His grandmother still lives nearby, and he is regularly spotted in the street, and always happy to pose for a selfie with young football fans.
This story is from the July 13, 2024 edition of The Guardian.
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This story is from the July 13, 2024 edition of The Guardian.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
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