Phil Foden reveals he’s caught huge fish at England’s Euro 2024 training base as he follows in Gascoigne’s footsteps

PHIL FODEN is still searching for his best form at the Euros – but has caught a few big fish at England’s training base!

The keen angler has made the most of the lakes at the Weimarer Land Spa and Golf resort in the picturesque Blankenhain, east Germany, where the Three Lions are situated.

INSTAGRAM/phil foden

Phil Foden is hooked on improving his performances[/caption]

PA

Foden’s starting place could be under threat[/caption]

News Group Newspapers Ltd

Paul Gascoigne was angler just as Foden is now[/caption]

Foden is the only player in Gareth Southgate’s 26-man squad to get his rod out and follows in the footsteps of former England star – and passionate fisherman – Paul Gascoigne.

The Manchester City superstar, 24, told FA show Lions’ Den: “I’ve had a little bit of time to go fishing, so it’s been nice.

“(I’ve caught) some big ‘uns, yeah! I’ve caught some nice fish.”

England fans are still waiting for Foden to catch fire at this summer’s tournament.

He was poor in the 1-0 win over Serbia in the first group game, but better in Thursday’s 1-1 draw versus Denmark and struck the post in the second half.

But he is still some way off showing the amazing form he produced for City this season, which earned him the PFA Player of the Year award.

Former England captain Alan Shearer would like to see him play centrally as he does for his club, rather than coming in off the left as Southgate has deployed him in the first two matches.

John Stones, a team-mate for club and country, agreed that is where Foden prefers to play – but has sympathy with his manager’s selection headache.

---

EURO 2024 LIVE: KEEP UP TO DATE WITH ALL THE LATEST NEWS FROM GERMANY

---

EURO 2024 FREE BETS AND OFFERS

The centre-back, 30, told talkSPORT: “I think Phil, personally, loves playing through the middle.

“He’s played every position up top for us at City. It’s a difficult one and I’m glad I’m not the manager to make those decisions.

“Wherever Phil plays, he’s incredible, he’s a top player.

“Obviously, everyone has their strengths in different positions. Everyone’s entitled to their opinion again and I’m sure it brings up some good debates.

“I just want Phil to enjoy his football, that’s when he’s at his best.”

Few players came out of the dire Denmark draw with much credit, barring Stones’ centre-back partner Marc Guehi, who was excellent.

Foden looked a bit more dangerous but Stones is certain it will not be long until his good mate shows he is the reel deal for England this summer.

Defender Stones, who has 74 caps, added: “I don’t think any of us can walk off the pitch and say we played our best game ever.

“It’s about us improving and giving everything.

“But with Phil, if he keeps working hard as he is in training, scoring the screamers he does, eventually it’ll come out on the pitch.

“He drifts a lot anyway, he finds pockets of spaces. I hope he continues to be himself and impose himself on games. I’m sure it’ll come very soon.”