Wayne Rooney says Aston Villa’s Jack Grealish and Phil Foden should play for England

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Former England striker and now Derby manager, Wayne Rooney, says both Aston Villa’s Jack Grealish and Man City’s Phil Foden should be in line to start for England.

The midfield duo have been in sensational form this season for their respective clubs. Grealish has led Villa to a comfortable top half position, while Foden is one of the key factors in City’s exceptional charge towards the title.

However, England boss Gareth Southgate only recently started to use Grealish regularly, while Foden is another who isn’t guaranteed any sort of start at the minute for the Three Lions. But Rooney, speaking to the Daily Mail, claims both players could start.

“They have to be in the squad and arguably have to play, because they’re that good,” Rooney said.

“For Phil, it’s about keeping doing what he’s doing. He’s one of the best players in the league this season. Pep Guardiola has managed him really well. He’s performing excellently — scoring, assisting — and hopefully he can carry that form on with England. He’s entertaining to watch. There are a few players — not just him.

“With him, and Grealish, there is something different for the national team.”

Rooney knows a thing or two about breaking into the England squad at a young age. As a teenager, he took the Euro 2004 tournament by storm with the Three Lions, before going on to become the country’s record goalscorer.

TBR View: Rooney is bang on, England should build around these two

Foden and Grealish have proven themselves to be exceptionally talented players and are now adding consistency to their games as well.

That should stand them in good stead for the England squad. Frankly, Gareth Southgate can’t ignore either of them at the moment and both must start the next time England get together.