Phil Foden says England U17s are confident they can become the latest pride of Young Lions to achieve World Cup glory.

The Manchester City midfielder will be part of Steve Cooper’s squad that face Japan in the last 16 later today, having topped Group F with a 100% record to qualify for the knockout stages.

Now, as they approach the business end of the tournament, Foden and his national team colleagues have a growing sense of belief that they can go all the way in India.

Speaking ahead Tuesday’s game in Kolkata, the talented youngster explained that if they perform to their optimum level, there’s no reason why the U17 cohort can’t emulate the World Cup success of the U20s.

“No matter who we play, everyone’s confident that we can go all the way,” he declared.

“We’re taking it one game at a time and we’re looking forward to the next one. Hopefully we can get through that.

“Japan will give everything, especially off the ball. They’ll run and run and it will be a good challenge, but we’ll be ready for it.”

So far, Foden’s made quite the impact in what is his first World Cup.

Utilised in a wide position, rather than the central role he often finds himself in whilst wearing the Blue shirt, the young playmaker featured in all three group stage games and was on target in the 3-2 win against Mexico.

There have been several eye-catching pieces of skill which have caught attention on social media, whilst ex-England boss Glenn Hoddle also expressed his admiration for the youngster.

It’s unsurprising to hear, then, that the 17-year-old from Stockport is loving every aspect of the tournament.

“It’s a great experience,” he added. “I’ve not been to a World Cup before and there are a lot of fans here and a lot of people watching, so it’s a good opportunity to do well.

“Playing for England is a massive achievement. Every time I put the shirt on I enjoy it and it meant a lot to score my first World Cup goal.

“I’ve seen some banners with my name on around the stadium, so it shows that the fans have travelled to watch, me, Joel Latibeaudiere and Curtis Anderson.

“There’s quite a lot of City fans out here. It just proves how big the World Cup is.”

Travelling to another continent, experiencing a different culture and playing in front of crowds which, so far, have exceeded 40 thousand, it’s no doubt been an incredible experience for Foden and the rest of the City contingent.

And he was pleased to have the opportunity to experience India beyond the confines of the football pitch.

“The fans have been great and it was good to spend some time with the local children.

“The people here don’t have everything that we have, so it was really good to meet them and make their day.”