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Manchester Evening News
Manchester Evening News
Sport
Liam Wood

England boss Gareth Southgate sends message to Phil Foden and other Man City players

Gareth Southgate has confessed that he has to 'commit a crime' every time he selects an England line-up.

With qualification to the World Cup in Qatar almost rubber-stamped, the Three Lions return to Wembley on Tuesday to face Hungary for their latest encounter.

A much-changed England team, including Manchester City duo John Stones and Phil Foden, were last week 5-0 winners against Andorra in Vella.

Foden was a particular shining light during that Saturday night victory, prompting suggestions that he might start, once again, beneath the famous arch.

City teammates Kyle Walker and Raheem Sterling were rested against the European minnows, while Jack Grealish was given a late cameo in which he scored his first international goal.

Southgate said: "We will definitely make changes. We have got a very strong squad. Part of the reasons we made the changes we did the other night, there are some specific profile of players we thought could help us win the game.

"Also, we want the squad to feel involved and it's important that they know they are valued, they know that they can contribute.

"It wasn't a friendly the other night. There were World Cup qualification points resting on it and those games have gone wrong in the past. I was really pleased with the quality of the performance, as well as the application.

"We are hitting a very consistent level of performance, which is great to see."

Which City players should start against Hungary? Have your say in the comments section below.

Asked specifically about Foden, the England manager added: "I have a headache and commit a crime every time I pick a team. It's very difficult every time you have to name a squad, because we have so many good players and a such good, strong competition for places.

"Of course, there were lots of players that did their own confidence and their own reputations the world of good, that's pleasing to see."

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