Phil Foden pauses before answering the question. It’s a relatively awkward one — but one the England star knew was coming.

Much has been made of England’s performances in Germany thus far. Much has been made of Foden’s contribution, too.

Part of that conjecture is down to his reputation. Foden, one of the most gifted English football players of a generation, is mesmerising with the ball at his feet.

Ask those who made him Premier League player of the season. Ask Pep Guardiola.

But by his own admission, Foden has endured a conservative tournament, and the Manchester City star isn’t avoiding that narrative.

Phil Foden remains in good spirits despite criticism of his performances at Euro 2024

Foden has failed to find his Manchester City form so far at the European Championship

‘I’ve been a bit frustrated, I’m not going to lie,’ he admitted. ‘I want to try and score, try and do better things for England and at times it’s not worked out but it’s about keeping a good mentality.

‘I’ve not been the best player in the Premier League to come here and not show it. I feel like every game I’m moving little steps forward and hopefully I can put in good performances for England, that’s always been my aim.’

Foden was in good form in Blankenhain on Wednesday. He became a dad for the third time after his partner gave birth last week.

He joked: ‘I thought, ‘I’m 30 seconds away from doing baby feeds at home’,’ when asked about his emotions as Jude Bellingham‘s overhead kick in the dying seconds of Sunday’s win over Slovakia triggered frenzied celebrations before Harry Kane‘s extra-time winner.

He was also at pains to point out that he is undefeated on the dart board back at England HQ, despite Eberechi Eze‘s attempts to topple him. Foden revealed: ‘I’ve been playing Eze a lot. The more I beat him, the more he tries to play me. Which I like because that’s the mentality I’ve got. When I’m losing I always want to play again, that’s what he’s like.’

Foden’s remarks provide a snapshot into the psyche of a man who’s been tipped for greatness since puberty. We’ve come to expect so much from him that we forget he only recently turned 24.

‘Sometimes I can get myself too hyped for a game,’ Foden confesses. ‘It’s just about believing what you’ve done in the past, not getting carried away, not reading what people are saying, or trying too hard. I have to remain relaxed and hopefully let my football do the talking.’

There has been a major focus this week on whether part of the difficulties Foden has faced in Germany is down to him playing on the left-hand side.

Foden believes he can be more destructive from a central area, but that role is taken by Bellingham. Nevertheless, the City star believes he and Bellingham can play in the same team.

‘I have shown this season for City that I have moved more centrally and the goals have gone up and I have influenced more games,’ he said. ‘I have always been honest about my position and I have always seen myself as playing midfield.

‘I don’t agree (that Foden and Bellingham can’t play together), I feel it can click in the last games.’

Foden also disagrees with criticism that manager Gareth Southgate’s approach has been too conservative, adding: ‘I feel sorry for Gareth. He hasn’t set out to (play defensively). In training he’s been telling us to press and be high up the pitch. Sometimes, it has to come from the players.

‘The players have got to take some of the blame. We have got to adapt to what the other team is doing to be better. It is something we have definitely spoken about recently and going forward.’