Phil Foden happy to ‘bring a bit of Gazza’ to England Euro 2020 hopes

Paul Gascoigne Euro 96 England v Scotland TEAMtalk

Phil Foden insists he has no concerns over comparisons to England legend Paul Gascoigne as he targets European Championship glory with the Three Lions.

The Manchester City attacker arrived at St George’s Park to continue preparations for Sunday’s opener against Croatia with dyed blonde hair. Gascoigne sported the same style during Euro 96 as he sparkled in England’s run to the semi-finals before they lost on penalties to Germany.

Foden enjoyed an outstanding campaign at the Etihad, scoring 16 goals and winning PFA Young Player of the Year as Pep Guardiola’s side won the Premier League and Carabao Cup double, as well as reaching the Champions League final.

The 21-year-old did not play a part in either of England’s two 1-0 warm-up wins after being given an extended break after his exertions this term.

However, he is in contention to start the Euro 2020 opener against 2018 World Cup foes Croatia this Sunday.

England then face Scotland at Wembley on June 18 in the next Group D fixture – a game in which Gascoigne shone at Euro 96 at the same venue, offering further opportunities to compare the duo.

“I remember watching highlights on the TV of Gazza – an unbelievable player,” Foden said.

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“The full nation know what he means to the country and what he did, so it won’t be too bad if I try to bring a bit of Gazza on to the pitch.

“I don’t think you can listen too much to what people are saying. I have to try and keep my feet on the ground and just being me and keep doing what has done well for me this year.

“I try and come off social media as much as I can. Not try and read it too much.”


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Foden doing his own thing

Asked if his new look was a tribute to Gascoigne, Foden added: “I’ve had the same haircut for what seems like ages now so I thought I’d just try something new.

“I woke up this morning with a lot of comparisons to Gazza and Eminem so yeah it was my own thing and people have turned it into something else.

“They (his England team-mates) have said that they’ve liked it so it’s a positive. It’s all been positive – which I’ve been surprised about.”

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