Former Manchester United midfielder Nicky Butt has tipped Manchester City star Phil Foden to be the standout player for England at the World Cup.
Foden has booked his place in the 26-man squad for the tournament following his performances for the Blues so far this season. In just 14 appearances in the Premier League, the 22-year-old has scored seven goals and grabbed three assists.
It is expected that the Stockport-born attacker will start on Monday against Iran and despite his allegiances to United, Butt reckons that Foden will be a big player for Gareth Southgate in Qatar. Speaking to MEN Sport, the 47-year-old explained: "I think [James] Maddison has come to the fore with his performances at the right time, will he start? I don't think so.
ALSO READ: Foden can turn shock City struggle into World Cup motivation
"[Marcus] Rashford, I think he will start off the left and I think Gareth has always really liked [Raheem] Sterling but for me the one that is exciting me the most is Phil Foden. I hate saying that as a United fan!
"He excites me, he is an unbelievable talent, an unbelievable player and I think that this could be a big, big World Cup for him. He is a star now, do not get me wrong, but I think he could come back from the World Cup with the biggest clubs in the world trying to sign him in the summer.
"I really think he is that good and I think if Gareth plays him in a number 10 position where he can float around, get on the ball, take people on, get passes, get goals, I think he could be the standout player in the tournament."
Butt was speaking to the Manchester Evening News at the launch of the new series of the Salford City documentary Class of '92 Full Time. The first episode of the new season airs on Sunday, November 20 at 10pm on Sky Sports Premier League and Football.
READ NEXT:
