Football
Mark Mann-Bryans, Press Association Sport 6y

Man City's Phil Foden backs England U17s for future success

Phil Foden believes every member of England's Under-17 World Cup-winning squad has what it takes to succeed.

England came from two goals behind to beat Spain 5-2 on Saturday in Kolkata and win their first-ever World Cup at this level as Manchester City youngster Foden continued his fine competition by scoring a brace.

Rhian Brewster also impressed and his goal dragged England back into the game after a Sergio Gomez double had put Spain in charge.

Morgan Gibbs White levelled for Paul Cooper's side before Foden struck twice -- either side of Marc Guehi's effort -- to seal a memorable win for the Under-17s.

It follows tournament success for England at the Under-20s World Cup and the Under-19s European Championships, while this Under-17s side went one step further than the summer where they lost their own European Championship final to Spain.

As with those earlier successes, focus has now shifted onto the future of these bright talents and whether they will get the chance to make an impact at their club sides.

Foden has already featured in the City first team -- receiving glowing praise from manager Pep Guardiola -- and feels his compatriots are all good enough to make the grade.

"I feel there is a big pathway for everyone but you have to believe in it and be patient,'' he said.

"We're still young at the end of the day. Just be patient and keep playing your football, and hopefully you will get the opportunity.

"I believe that everyone can push through the ranks. There is a lot of quality in the team. Everyone, even on the bench, everyone. We just need to believe and prove that we can make it.

"It's going to be hard, don't get me wrong. But I think everyone will find their level and a club. Everyone will make it eventually; just maybe not at the club that they want to.''

Family and friends greeted the team as they arrived back at Heathrow laden with gold -- Manchester United youngster Angel Gomes carried in the trophy while all the players and staff sported gold medals.

Meanwhile, Foden clung to his golden ball award for player of the tournament while Liverpool's Brewster held both the golden boot for ending as top goalscorer, as well the bronze ball prize.

"We've just got to try to keep our heads down, work hard and get back to club football and not be big-time,'' Brewster told Press Association Sport.

"We need to work hard, train hard, play hard. That's what we've got to do. Hopefully we will then get our opportunities at first team level.

"The Under-20s winning was a big achievement and that pushed us. Just before that, we had lost in the Euros in the final. We were disappointed with that and to come back and beat Spain 5-2 in the final was amazing.

"To come back as world champions. At the time I remember saying to all of my team-mates after that final [at the Euros], 'Watch, we've lost to Spain but just watch, we'll come back and win the World Cup'. And we did it.''

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