Phil Foden is set to battle Bukayo Saka for a starting spot at Euro 2024 (Picture: Getty)

Manchester City’s Phil Foden has sent a message to Arsenal star Bukayo Saka over their fight for a spot in the England XI.

Foden was handed a start in England’s attack as the Three Lions booked their place at Euro 2024 with an impressive 3-1 win over Italy on Tuesday night.

Saka, meanwhile, was forced to withdraw from England duty due to injury having missed Arsenal’s win over City before the international break.

Quizzed about the battle for places after England’s victory over Italy, Foden told the BBC: ‘Bukayo [Saka] is a quality player, every time he pulls on the England shirt he puts in a 7/10 at least every time.

‘If I’m not starting I want to try and come on and change the game, I’m here to help the team as best as I can.

‘It’s exciting because it shows we still have players to come back into the side and help us push forwards. It just shows the depth in quality that the squad has.’

Foden, speaking more generally about England’s win, added: ‘It was a brilliant performance, I thought our defensive work in particular was excellent.

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‘When you come up against the likes of Italy you have to defend sometimes, they have great quality, and I thought we showed that throughout the game.

‘Delighted with the result. That’s where we want to be, beating these big teams consistently.

‘We looked very dangerous on the counter. For the [second] goal I managed to find Jude [Bellingham], he did superb, and then it was finished off nicely by Marcus [Rashford].’

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‘It’s exciting…’