‘This kid is special’: Fans go wild on Twitter for ‘magic’ Phil Foden’s stunning flick against Iceland before he accelerates away from defender
Phil Foden had onlookers purring on Wednesday night after his exquisite touch away from an Iceland defender during the latter stages of England’s Nations League victory.
The 20-year-old Manchester City star scored a brilliant double in the final 10 minutes as Gareth Southgate‘s side cruised to a 4-0 victory at Wembley.
By the latter stages of the contest, Foden was full of confidence and displayed his full repertoire of tricks by superbly taking down a lofted pass on the right-flank with a deft flick beyond the defender.
Phil Foden prepares to take the ball down on the sideline with an exquisite deft touch
Foden turned to perfection after flicking the ball, leaving the Iceland defender flatfooted
Foden then accelerated away, before cutting back on to his left foot and slipping in-between two defenders before trying another extravagant back-heel to team-mate Declan Rice.
Lead Sky Sports commentator Martin Tyler said: ‘Foden, full of it now!’ before Alan Smith interjected saying: ‘Lovely touch!’
Fans on social media were similarly in awe of the attacking midfielder, with one saying: ‘This kid is special’, and another adding: ‘Phil Foden that is magic.’
A user quipped: ‘This is just ridiculous from Phil Foden’ whilst another stated: ‘Take a bow Phil Foden.’
The 20-year-old was in stunning form and scored twice as England strolled to victory
Foden himself was quick to praise England boss Gareth Southgate for inviting him back into the squad following his misdemeanours in Iceland two months ago.
Foden and Manchester United forward Mason Greenwood were dropped after breaking strict Covid-protocols and inviting two girls into the team hotel.
But the playmaker was in stunning form on Wednesday night, scoring his first with an accurate finish and his second with a fierce strike from outside the box.
‘It was one of the hardest moments of my life to be honest,’ said Foden, about the incident in Iceland.
The Manchester City star marked his third England cap with two goals in the win over Iceland
England team-mates congratulate Foden following his goal in the Nations League encounter
‘That is the time you need the trust of your managers and Gareth had a lot of respect for me to play me and trust me. It means everything. I am just happy to repay him with the goals and play well.
‘I was determined to get back and do the best as I can. I was a little bit nervous but I enjoyed it a lot. My first goals for England mean a lot to me. I just couldn’t stop smiling. It was an unbelievable feeling.
‘When you score your confidence is high I took the second goal well from outside the box.’
