Pep Guardiola praises "important" Phil Foden

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has praised midfielder Phil Foden after his brace helped inspire England's Under-17 side to a remarkable World Cup victory over Spain this afternoon.

The Young Lions had trailed by two goals just half an hour into the contest but hit back with five in reply to secure a historic double, following on from the Under-20s' World Cup triumph earlier this year.

Foden was an instrumental part of the victory over the Spaniards and, while he has yet to make his senior debut at club level for City, Guardiola insists that the side "will do everything to help him" develop in the coming years.

"Foden played against Manchester United and Real Madrid in the US this summer [in pre-season]," Guardiola told reporters after City's 3-2 win at West Bromwich Albion this afternoon.

"He loves to be at City - we will do everything to help him. He is our player and he will be our player for the next year I hope.

"He's so important for English football. These guys will grow. I'm pleased that England won the title."

Guardiola has previously hinted that he could hand Foden his first-team debut before the year is out.