Phil Foden reveals lucky memento he takes ‘everywhere’ that England and Man City star wants to wear for entire career
PHIL FODEN hopes his pair of personalised shinpads – sporting a picture of his social-media superstar son Ronnie – never break as he wants to wear them for the rest of his career.
The Manchester City star, 24, has guards under his socks depicting himself and his boy on his shoulders, both sporting club kit, next to an England flag.
Ronnie is only five but already has four million followers on his Instagram account, @officialronniefoden_.
Speaking on FA show Lions’ Den, Foden Snr explained: “Someone made these for me on Instagram.
“They’re my lucky shinpads. I take them everywhere. Hopefully they don’t break because I want to wear them the whole of my career.”
Foden was on the programme alongside team-mate Conor Gallagher, who also revealed his own prized possession which he looks at before each match.
The Chelsea midfielder, 24, explained: “My mum and dad got me a necklace for my 21st a few years ago. It has some engraving on the back and I tend to read it when I go out. (It’s a) bit soppy!
“I used to have personalised shinpads as well but they didn’t feel very nice so I don’t wear them anymore.”
Like the rest of the squad, Gallagher and Foden have been enjoying all the various pastimes at England’s camp in the rolling hills of Blankenhain, including padel, basketball and PlayStation.
But fishing lover Foden has also found the time to get his rod out as well.
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He said: “I’ve had a little bit of time to go fishing, so it’s been nice.
“(I’ve caught) some big ‘uns, yeah! I’ve caught some nice fish.”
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The soundtrack to England’s games this summer has regularly been Three Lions fans singing ‘Phil Foden’s on fire’ to the tune of Bruce Springsteen’s legendary track, Dancing in the Dark.
Asked about his ditty, the PFA Player of the Year commented: “It is proper! To have a song about yourself is something you dream of.
“To hear the England fans singing it, it means a lot.”
ENGLAND vs DENMARK RATINGS
ENGLAND stumbled to a drab 1-1 draw with Denmark.
Here’s how SunSport’s Tom Barclay rated the Three Lions team.
Jordan Pickford: 6
Looked a little jittery early doors, though there was nothing he could do about Morten Hjulmand’s corker and he made a decent parry after the break.
Kyle Walker: 7
Made England’s opener by racing round a sleeping Victor Kristiansen – he’ll be having nightmares of that forevermore – and teeing up Kane via a deflected cross.
John Stones: 6
OK but you have got to wonder how fit he feels having barely played for Man City in the second half of the season, plus his injury and illness issues over the last month.
Marc Guehi: 8 and my star man
Really encouraging again from the Crystal Palace centre-back, looking sharp with his interceptions and assured in distribution.
Kieran Trippier: 6
Like Stones, he was fine, but England really need Luke Shaw back ASAP because having no natural left-footer at left-back is a problem.
Trent Alexander-Arnold: 5
This experiment of playing Trent in midfield is far from convincing, especially when his passing was off it like it was here, barring one good ball to Saka. Subbed on 54 minutes.
Declan Rice: 5
Had to cover so much ground as England dropped worryingly deep in the first half and also lost it a few times in front of his back four.
Bukayo Saka: 7
Not quite as electric as his first half against Serbia, but another solid showing from our right winger who has been our most consistent attacker across the two games.
Jude Bellingham: 6
Nowhere near the majestic display he put in against Serbia and one of many who looked tired.
Phil Foden: 7
Was far more involved than against Serbia – although that was not hard – and had a few dangerous efforts from range, including one that smacked the post after the break.
Harry Kane: 6
Netted his 64th goal for his country with an opener he could not really miss, but then gave the ball away from Denmark’s leveller. Surprisingly subbed.
SUBS:
Conor Gallagher (on for Trent, 54): 7
Vital clearance on the stretch when Christian Eriksen was lurking and was not afraid to put his foot in.
Ollie Watkins (on for Kane, 70): 6
Played in by Bellingham’s lovely ball after coming on but could not finish from an acute angle.
Jarrod Bowen (on for Foden, 69): 6
Copped a nasty tackle which saw Joakim Maehle booked.
Eberechi Eze (on for Saka, 69): 6
On for his tournament bow though he was rarely involved.