John Terry has tipped Manchester City duo Phil Foden and Jack Grealish to play “a big part” in England’s World Cup campaign. Gareth Southgate named neither midfielder in the starting line-up for the Three Lions’ opener against Iran.
Arsenal winger Bukayo Saka was given the nod as well as Chelsea pair Raheem Sterling and Mason Mount. Despite the Blues’ stuttering league form, Southgate selected both players in his starting XI while leaving Foden and Grealish on the bench.
Several pundits - including former - Manchester United captain Gary Neville insisted it would be criminal to leave Foden out of the England team. He told Sky Sports earlier this month: “I feel strongly about the forward options.
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“I love a lot of those players but if we can't find a starting position for Phil Foden in our national team I think that's a real problem. 'He is a generational talent. He is on a different level in that sense. That feels more wrong to me than (not starting) Trent Alexander-Arnold.'
However, neither Foden nor Grealish started the clash with Iran at the Khalifa International Stadium. John Stones was the sole City representative in the England line-up.
Former Chelsea captain Terry has backed the Man City pair to force their way into Southgate’s plans at the World Cup. The 41-year-old - who played alongside and coached Grealish at Aston Villa - believes his ex-teammate is more suited to playing for England than his club.
“It’s the group stages,” Terry told beIN Sports. “Sterling’s not in form for Chelsea. I think Jack (Grealish) is that type, he will take the ball anywhere. I have worked with Jack. He always wants it. I have spoken before about these big tournaments. I think Foden and Grealish will play a big part in this competition because they want the ball.
“They want to isolate defenders. They make you go 2v1. Jack’s the type of player who can commit two defenders. Sometimes at Manchester City, it’s difficult when he does that (as) he is confronted by two defenders. If he doesn’t release it, then everyone is going mad about how he is holding onto it for too long.”
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