Phil Foden’s performance against Iceland on Wednesday night was the motivation behind his call up in September, according to Gareth Southgate,

The Manchester City midfielder scored a brace within four minutes to seal a 4-0 victory for the Three Lions against Iceland at Wembley yesterday night.

Foden was earlier sanctioned by the FA with Mason Greenwood after breaking coronavirus protocols at the team hotel in Iceland after his debut that against same side say from home. He was dropped from last month’s internationals yet his return saw him impress manager as England sealed a semifinal spot in the Nations League.

“Tonight's performance is why we picked him in September because we know what he is capable of,” he said.

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“I'm really pleased for him and his family, to have the experience he had in September is really tough for a youngster and we all make mistakes.

“What we were intent on doing was making sure that when he came in this month in a difficult situation, you are walking in the door and you're looking at everybody's faces and you know the last time you saw them it was complicated.

“It took him a few days I think to settle into the camp and start to smile and relax a bit more – then tonight we felt was a really good game for him.

“We know what he is capable of doing and he is one who is going to be exciting for the next few years for England.

Southgate was impressed at the young talented squad coming from the ranks of English football and their impact on the National team.

“I think we are very conscious of a crop of young players coming through that we think will be fabulous for England for years to come. I think it was great for the public to get a glimpse of that,” he added.