Rio Ferdinand sends Phil Foden England request to Gareth Southgate after Man City masterclass

Rio Ferdinand has insisted Gareth Southgate should take note of Phil Foden's impact ahead of this summer's Euro 2024.

Foden was in amazing form on Wednesday night when his hat-trick helped to lower Aston Villa 4-1 at the Etihad Stadium to keep City fighting for the Premier League title.

In addition to scoring his first direct free kick, his double in the second half helped him reach More than 20 goals in a season for the first time.who saw it join an illustrious teamin his career and was helped by the fact that he played more centrally than usual.

In England's recent friendlies against Brazil and Belgium, Southgate pushed Foden down both flanks, but the 23-year-old was unable to light up the stage like he does at the Etihad.

And after Foden's stupendous display against Villa, the former manchester united Star Ferdinand has told the England manager to sit back and watch the attacking midfielder pull the strings from a central position.

speaking to Laura Woods telling TNT Sports after City's 4-1 win, he said: “One thing I would say about him is why he's still here doing what he does – he's never too high or too low.

“He's very balanced in his approach to certain situations and even in the game and I would say also outside of the game, off the court, I don't think he ever gets too intimidated by situations. He doesn't see situations too. He's great for he.

“These actions (against Aston Villa) and we're sitting here thinking, 'for the England team, surely they have to play centrally?'

“This is the common debate right now: Where do you play? Phil Foden to get the best out of him?

“These actions here tell you everything you need to know. Send these clips to Gareth and ask him: 'who else is doing this?'”

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England fans have been wondering which is the nation's best XI ahead of this summer's European Championship, with the Three Lions kicking off their competition on June 16.

The debate continues over whether Judas Bellingham They should start with a more advanced role and who will be deployed on the flanks.

But Foden has insisted he is happy to play as long as it is in an attacking role, saying on Wednesday night: “I see myself as a really technical player in the pockets.

“I think I can do that job on the outside, but I think I prefer to do it in the middle. This year I'm growing in the game.

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“The coach talked about showing pace and slowing down the game, so I think I've added that to my game as well.

“Before I was going so fast, attacking every action. I think now I'm achieving the perfect balance.

“I always try to get to the area, that's where the goals are. At least five a season arrive late to the area.

“I have been working on all aspects of my game in midfield, but as I said there is still a lot to improve and I continue to grow in that position.”