SAN FRANCISCO, November 19, (THEWILL) – Manchester City youngster Phil Foden opened his England account with a double deposit as Gareth Southgate’s charges ended their Nations League campaign on a high with a 4-0 victory over 10-man Iceland.
Foden returned to competitive England appearance after breaking coronavirus protocol after the victory over Iceland in September. The 20-year-old marked his return in style with an assist and a superbly taken brace.
Jack Grealish and Foden were two of the biggest stories heading into the game and both combined for England’s 20th-minute opener. Declan Rice benefitted and headed in his debut England goal from Foden’s free-kick, which was won by Grealish.
Mason Mount got England’s next chance. The central attacking midfielder from Chelsea took advantage of Harry Kane’s knockdown, latched onto it and coolly prodded in.
Manchester United defender Harry Maguire’s marauding run forward ended with a fine pass through for Foden. Foden’s first time shot was charged down by Iceland goalie Ogmundur Kristinsson, who then denied the midfielder again before Kane curled wide.
Iceland’s chances of a comeback appeared extinguished nine minutes into the second half when right back Birkir Saevarsson was sent off with a second yellow for pulling back winger Bukayo Saka.
Kari Arnason had the chance to cut down the deficit, yet he headed wide from an Ari Freyr Skulason’s corner in the 58th minute.
Then, England got the third goal their dominance deserved in the 80th minute. It was Foden who swept home from Jadon Sancho’s cutback.
Four minutes later, Foden capped off a sterling individual display with a thumping strike into the bottom-right corner to double his tally.
About the Author
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
