Phil Foden’s youth team coach Joe Makin originally joked to an inquisitive parent the seven-year-old boy starring in one of his first training sessions had been ‘sent from heaven’.

Now Makin, a long-time servant at Reddish Vulcans in Stockport and local academy recruitment co-ordinator for Manchester City, admits the England international is “one in a million”.

Foden has blossomed under the coaching of Pep Guardiola and has earned the nickname the Stockport Iniesta for having a style of play similar to the former Barcelona great.

“As he got a little bit older it became more obvious but because of his size and physicality he was going to have to be protected a little bit.

“It’s an old cliche but all he ever wants to do is play football. First out, last to go in. Banging balls against the walls, juggling. His dedication and application is just first class.

“If England win this and he gets a little bit of a role in that final, I think you will see a different Phil Foden on the pitch next season. He will be demanding the ball.”