Gareth Southgate expects “exceptional” Phil Foden to shine for England at the Euros.

Southgate convened a squad meeting to “guide players” through the increased scrutiny that comes with playing for England at a major tournament.Ex-players, including Alan Shearer and David Seaman, have weighed in on Foden’s performance against Serbia, citing Jude Bellingham’s superior play.

Foden covered more ground than any other England player (13.2km) and has been given a big vote of confidence by Southgate ahead of their match against Denmark on Thursday night. England manager Southgate said: “Phil performed an outstanding job for us on Sunday. Other players drew attention, but it was his work for the team, defense of the gaps, and cleverness in his play that stood out.

“Towards the end of the game, he kept the ball for us in vital circumstances. He got a half-chance in the opening few minutes, and with a slightly better touch and a shot on goal, things could have turned out quite differently.

“He linked the game nicely in the first period with the others. There was a lot going on in the game, and a lot of tactical problems to address. And we were pleased with what Phil accomplished.”

Southgate also emphasized that after each game, one player is frequently the subject of conversation, and Foden’s performance has received the most attention.Southgate met with the entire group, but was conscious of the spotlight on Foden and Trent Alexander-Arnold.

Foden won his fourth consecutive title with Manchester City this season and was named Football Writers’ Association Footballer of the Year, but he has struggled to produce his best form for England. Southgate stated, “There will be a narrative, a player, or a couple of players, after each England game. This is a different universe than the one you find in clubs. After the last few days, the players as a group have recognized this.

“We talked to them about it. It is quite rare at their club to win a game and have the experience they have had over the last few days.I need to help them through the reality of our world without losing sight of the bigger picture.

‌ “We’re in a good position, we know we want to play better, there are lot of things we did really well.”