PHIL FODEN is still searching for his best form at the Euros – but has caught a few big fish at England’s training base!
The keen angler has made the most of the lakes at the Weimarer Land Spa and Golf resort in the picturesque Blankenhain, east Germany, where the Three Lions are situated.
INSTAGRAM/phil fodenPhil Foden is hooked on improving his performances[/caption]
PAFoden’s starting place could be under threat[/caption]
News Group Newspapers LtdPaul Gascoigne was angler just as Foden is now[/caption]
ENGLAND’S BREAM TEAM FANTASY XI
Here’s how Gareth South-Bait’s men might line up with Three Lionfish on their shirt.
Jordon Pike-ford
Aaron Rams-whale
Shark Guehi
Sturgeon Stones
Brill Foden
Trout Alexander-Arnold
Coddie Mainoo
Jude BellingHammerhead
Shoal Palmer
Skipjack Grealish
Ollie Wat-fins
(Four-four-tuna formation)
Guest appearance: Paul Gas-Koi
Foden is the only player in Gareth Southgate’s 26-man squad to get his rod out and follows in the footsteps of former England star – and passionate fisherman – Paul Gascoigne.
The Manchester City superstar, 24, told FA show Lions’ Den: “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.”
England fans are still waiting for Foden to catch fire at this summer’s tournament.
He was poor in the 1-0 win over Serbia in the first group game, but better in Thursday’s 1-1 draw versus Denmark and struck the post in the second half.
But he is still some way off showing the amazing form he produced for City this season, which earned him the PFA Player of the Year award.
Former England captain Alan Shearer would like to see him play centrally as he does for his club, rather than coming in off the left as Southgate has deployed him in the first two matches.
John Stones, a team-mate for club and country, agreed that is where Foden prefers to play – but has sympathy with his manager’s selection headache.
Foden was deceptively busy in the last group game
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The centre-back, 30, told talkSPORT: “I think Phil, personally, loves playing through the middle.
“He’s played every position up top for us at City. It’s a difficult one and I’m glad I’m not the manager to make those decisions.
Who is Euro 2024’s sexiest star?
EURO 2024 has something for everyone from stunning goals, thrilling matches… and the continent’s biggest hunks, writes Jack Figg.
Several stars have lit up the group stages with their skills on the pitch – but others are also catching the eye for their looks.
But who is the sexiest?
Thankfully AI boffins have carried out an analysis on the facial attractiveness of all players at the tournament.
And it’s bad news for Gareth Southgate’s Three Lions who are the fourth UGLIEST in the competition – one place below Scotland.
In fact it’s England’s group rivals Serbia who have fans swooning the most – boasting an average score of 77.90/100 with defender Strahinja Pavlovic deemed their most attractive.
While Turkey defender Mert Muldur has been ranked as the tournament’s BEST-LOOKING player.
But who is England’s sexiest star, and who makes the Euros’ hunkiest XI? Read our full story.
“Wherever Phil plays, he’s incredible, he’s a top player.
“Obviously, everyone has their strengths in different positions. Everyone’s entitled to their opinion again and I’m sure it brings up some good debates.
“I just want Phil to enjoy his football, that’s when he’s at his best.”
Few players came out of the dire Denmark draw with much credit, barring Stones’ centre-back partner Marc Guehi, who was excellent.
Foden looked a bit more dangerous but Stones is certain it will not be long until his good mate shows he is the reel deal for England this summer.
Inside humble Phil Foden’s family life
By Jon Boon
PHIL FODEN may be flashy on the pitch, but the Premier League’s Player of the Year is a humble family man off it.
The Man City superstar earns an astonishing salary believed to be £11.7million-per-year.
But the Stockport kid is frugal with his cash as he enjoys his down time with childhood sweetheart Rebecca and their two kids.
Foden only passed his driving test last year… and turns up for training in City’s glittering club car park in a £40k VOLKSWAGEN.
And in his spare time he loves nothing more than a FISHING trip.
He celebrated his first big City contract by buying his mum and dad a Cheshire mansion and lives with them until 2021.
But Foden has now splashed out on a luxury £3million mansion for his own growing family.
Click here for to find out all about Foden’s glamorous life…
Defender Stones, who has 74 caps, added: “I don’t think any of us can walk off the pitch and say we played our best game ever.
“It’s about us improving and giving everything.
“But with Phil, if he keeps working hard as he is in training, scoring the screamers he does, eventually it’ll come out on the pitch.
“He drifts a lot anyway, he finds pockets of spaces. I hope he continues to be himself and impose himself on games. I’m sure it’ll come very soon.”
Meet England’s Euro 2024 Wags
England Wags range from childhood sweethearts to recently blossoming love stories.
Katie Goodland (Harry Kane’s wife)
The fitness instructor has been married to the England captain since 2019 and joined him in Germany with their four children after he joined Bayern Munich.
Laura Celia Valk (Jude Bellingham’s girlfriend)
The stunning Dutch model, 25, has more than half a million Instagram followers and is said to be absolutely smitten with the Real Madrid star.
Rebecca Cooke (Phil Foden’s girlfriend)
Foden’s childhood sweetheart and the mother of his two kids tends to keep out of the spotlight, but is a regular at England games.
Dani Dyer (Jarrod Bowen’s girlfriend)
England’s most famous Wag, former Love Island winner and daughter of Eastenders’ Danny Dyer.
Iris Law (Trent Alexander-Arnold’s girlfriend)
Dani Dyer isn’t the only actor’s daughter dating an England star. Iris’ dad is Hollywood legend Jude Law.
Megan Davison (Jordan Pickford’s wife)
Megan has been with Pickford since he was 14 years old. The couple married in 2022 and have one son.
Olivia Naylor (John Stones’ girlfriend)
The 33-year-old former beautician has stepped back from her role after giving birth to a baby son.
Read more about the Wags who will be supporting England at Euro 2024 here