Wayne Rooney would not select Phil Foden for the England squad if the European Championship tournament started tomorrow following his first call up to the senior England squad.
Foden impressed for Manchester City last season but still found game time limited under Pep Guardiola.
However, following the departure of David Silva to Real Sociedad, the youngster is expected to take on more responsibility in the first-team squad.
The 20-year-old was selected by Gareth Southgate for England's Nations League fixtures against Iceland and Denmark, his first call up to the senior squad.
Rooney believes Foden can have a bright future with his country but must play more next season to secure his seat on the plane for next summer's tournament.
"I would imagine that Gareth Southgate knows about ten players who he will definitely put in his squad for next summer’s tournament and that all the other places are up for grabs," he wrote in his column for The Times.
"Young players have emerged to give him options and make him reassess — and two are Phil Foden and Mason Greenwood.
"Foden is a ball-player who picks up some really good positions and offers something a little different from normal English midfielders.
"I’m sure, if he is given more game time by Pep Guardiola, he will flourish. But he does need to play more. Despite his talent and potential, if the Euros started tomorrow I wouldn’t take him because he simply hasn’t done enough to prove himself yet. But I would take Greenwood."
