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Phil Foden backs England to win Euros and says he feels no pressure ahead of first major tournament

Phil Foden backs England to win Euros and says he feels no pressure ahead of first major tournament

Phil Foden is confident England can win Euro 2020 and says he is feeling no pressure ahead of his first major tournament.

The Manchester City midfielder, who turned 21 last month, is part of one of the youngest squads at this summer's tournament (only Turkey have a lower average age than England), but insists that youth is no barrier to success and that Gareth Southgate's side should be aiming to win a first European Championship at Wembley on July 11.

"I just want to say the quality is very high," said Foden - speaking at St. George's Park, England's base for the tournament.

"Yes we have a lot of young players but they can play at the highest level and we've seen that this year.

"Of course, we have the experience of Harry Kane and Jordan Henderson around the team too which is important. I think we have a great balance. I think we'll look really strong in this tournament and why not? We could win it."

Foden has joined the England camp at St. George's Park following defeat to Chelsea in the Champions League final, but insists the hurt from Porto is behind him with all focus on the Three Lions.

The young midfielder has enjoyed a remarkable season. Foden started the campaign being sent home from his first England camp in Iceland after he and Mason Greenwood invited women into the team hotel, breaching coronavirus guidelines.

Since then, the City academy graduate has gone from strength to strength, key for Pep Guardiola's title winning side and with a real chance of starting Sunday's opener against Croatia for England.

Expectations are high with Southgate boasting remarkable talent and his side having a greater home advantage than any other nation should they make it all the way, with the semi-finals and final at Wembley as well as all the group games and potentially an extra knockout tie.

While there is pressure from outside, Foden - who is sporting a new hairstyle with shades of Paul Gascoigne at Euro '96 - is brimming with confidence and excitement.

"I don't feel pressure," said Foden. "I feel excited. It's my first time at a major tournament with England. I'm excited to see what happens and what the future holds.

"We have looked at previous times together as a team. We feel really confident. Obivously the likes of me, Mason [Mount], Reece [James] and Raz [Raheem Sterling] have made the Champions league final so we've all been playing at a great standard this year. I believe as a group we can really push on to win it."

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