Euro 2020

Wayne Rooney: 'Phil Foden, Jack Grealish must be in England squad for European Championships'

By Matt Law, Football Editor | 11 February 2021

Wayne Rooney calls on England boss Gareth Southgate to select both Phil Foden and Jack Grealish in the squad for the European Championships.

Former England captain Wayne Rooney has urged Three Lions boss Gareth Southgate to select both Phil Foden and Jack Grealish in his squad for this summer's European Championships.

Foden has been in impressive form for Manchester City during the 2020-21 campaign, contributing nine goals and five assists in 29 appearances in all competitions.

Grealish, meanwhile, has scored seven times and provided 12 assists in 22 appearances for an Aston Villa side currently in the mix for a potential European finish in the Premier League.

Rooney has said that Southgate must make room for both players in his final squad despite the fierce competition for places in that area of the field.

"They have to be in the squad and arguably have to play, because they're that good. 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," the Daily Mail quotes Rooney as saying.

"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."

England are due to open their Euro 2020 campaign against Croatia on June 13.