Phil Foden says he is still driven by the pain of missing out on the Euro 2020 final defeat by Italy.
England lost on penalties at Wembley two years ago, but Foden was forced to watch what ought to have been the biggest game of his life from the stands, having picked up a foot injury.
“It’s definitely motivated me more,” the Manchester City forward told Standard Sport, as England set out on their latest quest for tournament glory in Naples on Thursday. “It was disappointing to miss the final and not be able to play, but it was a special moment to look around the stadium and see how packed it was, with everyone behind the team.
“To have it at our stadium was just surreal and, even though we lost, it’s a moment I’ll never forget. We know now we can get to those stages in every tournament, to push and try to win it. We’ve proved to ourselves that we can beat the big teams now and that’s the aim.”
After starting the World Cup on the bench, Foden played a starring role for England in Qatar, scoring in the group-stage win over Wales and then starting both knockout matches. The 22-year-old is one of a number of young players with the bulk of their international careers ahead of them, but this tournament cycle is expected to be England’s last chance for success under Gareth Southgate — and Foden believes they are ready to deliver.
“We were a young squad at the World Cup and at the Euros as well,” he said. “We’ve got a few players getting more mature now, they’ve got that experience as well, which is important.
“Playing in big games is where you learn, really. I feel like now we’ve got a great bunch of lads with big experience of playing in the biggest games, playing in the big finals and knowing how to win.”
Bukayo Saka also left Euro 2020 with a sense of personal disappointment, having missed the spot-kick that sealed Italy’s triumph, but Foden says the 21-year-old’s response has been something of an inspiration.
“Definitely, I learn from him,” he said. “From him missing that penalty, he’s turned it around with his performances on the pitch for club and country. He’s such a nice lad and everyone loves him. He’s a big part of what we do here.
“It shows what a person he is. He’s such a young lad, he’s still developing and still learning about the game. For him to come back from something like that just shows the courage he’s got and how much he’s come on. I’m so happy for him.”
