Manchester City midfielder Phil Foden believes England’s young guns can be as good as the ‘Golden Generation’ as he eyes Euro 2020.
The 18-year-old will be handed his England Under-21 debut against Andorra on Thursday or against Scotland on Tuesday.
The Young Lions need a point from their final two Group Four games to qualify for Euro 2019.
England’s latest young crop of talent has been dubbed the new ‘Golden Generation’ after the David Beckham, Paul Scholes and Steven Gerrard era – although they failed to meet expectations.
The age groups have won the Under-17 World Cup, Under-20 World Cup and the Toulon Tournament for three straight years.
And Foden believes the current crop of talent can become individually as good as the past stars.
He said: “Yeah, definitely. We have got a lot of quality in the team and Jadon (Sancho) is an example. If you are playing well, he (Gareth Southgate) will give you a chance and he isn’t scared to call you up no matter what your age.
“It is exciting time times for England with all these exciting kids coming through and the great thing is Gareth isn’t afraid to give us a chance. It’s good.
“Hopefully in the future we can win the World Cup. I think it is really good and it is going well.”
Foden has made five appearances for City this season as he tries to make an impression under Pep Guardiola.
He will be under consideration for Euro 2019, should the under-21s qualify as expected, but admits Euro 2020 remains an aim.
“Yeah, definitely. I’m hoping so. If it doesn’t happen, I will just keep working hard,” he said.
“Hopefully the time will come but that is what I am aiming for.”
England Under-21s host Andorra in Chesterfield on Thursday which is exactly a year since Foden scored in England Under-17s’ 3-2 group stage win over Mexico at the World Cup.
He also scored twice in the final as England beat Spain 5-2 to lift the trophy as well as being named player of the tournament.
Foden added: “It’s gone fast since then. I’ll always look back on it, great memories – it was obviously a special moment to win a World Cup but now I want to win it for higher ages and keep doing it.”
