RIO FERDINAND picked out Jack Grealish and Phil Foden as England’s best two players around right now.
And the Manchester United legend reckons on current form Foden should be guaranteed a spot in England’s starting 11 for this summer’s Euros.
Jack Grealish pictured with England team-mate Phil FodenCredit: The FA
Ferdinand, 42, said on his podcast: “Right now, he has to play. It’s like who’s playing with him?
“It’s who’s playing with him and Grealish right now. Him and Grealish are the best players.
“Grealish and Foden are the best two English players playing right now. Best in form.
“They are the best two players right now in England.”
Ferdinand saw Manchester rivals City pull five points clear with a game in hand after they thumped champion Liverpool 4-1 at Anfield.
Foden was the standout performer and rubbed salt in the wounds with a wonderstrike to make it four on the 83rd minute.
Former defender Ferdinand was left in awe of the 20-year-old, who has stepped up in the absents of Kevin de Bruyne and Sergio Aguero.
He said: “Foden, man. When we’re talking about top players, like generational talents, this kid is that. He is ridiculous.
Manchester United legend Rio FerdinandCredit: Getty Images – Getty
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“See now, I was one of the people saying, ‘He’s got to go out on loan, if I’m him I’ve got to go out and see what’s going on outside somewhere, get me some experience, get me some games etc’.
“But you see the confidence Pep’s got. No KDB, no Aguero, David Silva’s gone now – this is my man, throw him in, wrap it around him.
“Put the responsibility on his shoulders, he’s waited long enough. Now’s your time son. And this guy boy, this kid lapped it up.”
Foden took his goal tally to nine in 28 matches this season, which has seen him operate on both flanks, as a midfielder or centre forward.
He made his England debut last September against Iceland and played in a friendly against Ireland in December.
Aston Villa captain Grealish, 25, has scored six times with 12 assists in 22 matches as a left-winger or attacking midfielder.
He has only three England caps to his name, having made his debut coming off the bench against Denmark three days after Foden’s international bow.
Phil Foden was lauded by Rio FerdinandCredit: AP:Associated Press
Jack Grealish has only three England caps to his nameCredit: Getty Images – Getty
Man Utd ‘choked’ and are now out of the Premier League title race after ‘criminal’ defending vs Everton says Ferdinand
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
