Gareth Southgate considers giving Phil Foden first England call-up after Carabao Cup final

Gareth Southgate is giving serious consideration to handing Phil Foden a first England call-up this month.

The teenager shone in front of England assistant Steve Holland at Wembley as Manchester City lifted a third consecutive Carabao Cup title on Sunday.

Southgate, who had opted to watch Everton’s draw with Manchester United instead, has been debating including Foden for some time.

A lack of regular starts for City’s meant that has not yet come to fruition but England may find it hard to ignore their Under 21 star’s continued progression.

The Three Lions face Italy and Denmark in two home friendlies over the next international break and Foden could yet become a wildcard option for the summer European Championship.

‘I want to be there obviously but it’s very difficult with the players that we have,’ Foden said.

‘Hopefully, Gareth was watching the final and saw things that he liked. That is all I can do, just show what I can do every time I play and see where it takes me.

‘We haven’t spoken much but Gareth has said in a few places that he is keeping a close eye on me.’ 

Pep Guardiola is likely to give Foden an 11th start of the season when City face Sheffield Wednesday in the FA Cup on Wednesday night. The 19-year-old has waited patiently for an opportunity, with Guardiola criticised for his handling of the prodigious teenager.

‘I was getting quite frustrated but as a few months went on, I started getting the hang of it,’ added Foden. ‘That’s when I felt comfortable and like I belonged there.’