The boyhood Blue, now preparing for England’s Round of 16 match against Germany, was speaking on the England official Lion’s Den podcast, and he admits he still pinches himself on occasion that his dream of playing for City and his country has come true.
“Yeah, sometimes I do pinch myself a little, playing and training with so many quality players at City,” said Foden.
“When I first broke into the first team, it took me a bit of time to get used to it ,because I looked up to the players and I was a fan of theirs, but I understood I had to train as hard as I could every day and even try and take their place. I just try to enjoy it every day as much as I can.
“There have been many influences, such a Vinnie Kompany who was a fantastic captain on and off the pitch, but David Silva was probably someone who inspired me the most as a kid and being able to watch him close up when I was training at the Academy was amazing.”
The ‘Stockport Iniesta’ was asked about England legend Paul Gascoigne – a player he is often compared with - and Foden says Gazza was one of the greatest talents to ever represent the Three Lions.
But he also says he bases his style on his own ability and strengths, revealing: “Sometimes I watch my own clips on YouTube before a game just to give myself confidence - I don’t like to study anyone else and just do my own thing.
“Growing up in Stockport, I was always outside with a ball at my feet and that’s made me who I am.
“Every day after training, I’d stay on the pitch after the session and the coach would have to drag me off the pitch!
“With England, a few of the lads like to go in and rest up after training, but I prefer to go out and practice shooting or improving my skills. One thing I want to do is improve my weaker foot.
“I’ve always loved Wembley since being a kid and to walk out in front of the fans with England has been one of the special moments of my career so far.
“I was more nervous watching the lads against the Czech Republic than I would have been if I was playing, but I was just hoping we’d get the win which we did and now I just need to work hard in training every day.
“We are a young squad but we have plenty of experience in big Champions League games and in the Premier League so I think that’s why we have no fear on the big occasions.”
And when asked if his team-mates had made any comments on his new bleached blond hairstyle, he added: “I was quite surprised because everyone has been nice about it and says it looks well - and I appreciate that!”
