Former Ballon d’Or winner praises Manchester City and England star Phil Foden

Prior to the start of the FIFA World Cup in Qatar, former Ballon d’or winner Michael Owen was full of praise for Phil Foden.

Foden was one of five Manchester City players named in Gareth Southgate’s England squad for the 2022 World Cup finals in Qatar, with the Three Lions expected to provide a challenge for the trophy.

England got their World Cup campaign off to a flying start with a convincing 6-2 victory over Iran, though had to settle for a frustrating 0-0 draw with the USA in Matchday Two.

In their opening fixture, goals from Manchester City target Jude Bellingham, Arsenal prodigy Bukayo Saka and former City winger Raheem Sterling saw the Three Lions take a 3-0 lead into half-time.

Iran fought back in the second-half and managed to score two of their own, but were eventually defeated 6-2 with Manchester City’s Jack Grealish also getting on the scoresheet .

Foden has been left out of the starting XI twice by Gareth Southgate, with the England boss having been widely criticised for the 22 year-olds omission.

Many current and former players have been full of praise towards Foden, who has been improving steadily season upon season.

One former player who is a big fan of Foden is former Liverpool and England striker Michael Owen. 

In an interview with the Professional Footballers Association (PFA) before the tournament kicked off, Owen discussed Foden and England’s chances of success.

“If there’s one player in the England team who could win a Ballon d’or- it could be him. I think he’s that good,” said Owen.

In June of 2022 Foden won the PFA Young Player of the Year award for the second year in a row after playing a key role in Pep Guardiola’s title-winning side.

The City star beat off competition from England teammates Connor Gallager and Bukayo Saka for the prestigious award.

Foden also found himself being nominated for the Men’s 2022 Ballon d’or, which was won by Real Madrid’s Karim Benzema.