Ahead of the World Cup, Manchester City footballer Phil Foden reflected on the upsetting injury that ruled him out of playing in the historic Euros 2022 final.
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Speaking in the Winter 2022 issue of Esquire UK, Phil gave insight into the mishap, explaining: "[I was] just walking in from training and someone's passed me a ball and I've decided to do a stupid touch and gone over on my foot.
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"I felt a crack in the top of my foot and I couldn't walk. I knew straight away. The full world was watching, talking about the final, and here's me got injured just before probably the biggest game of my life."
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Phil was unable to play and was understandably devastated. Speaking of his love of football, the player said: "Once I step on the pitch, everything else just goes away. Whatever is going on in my life, it disappears."
On his total devotion to the sport, the England team member said: "There's so much going on out there for a young footballer like myself. The hardest thing is being in bed early and ready to train the next day when there's all these distractions around. I think that’s where the dedication comes in.’
Phil Foden plays for Man City
"I think some players struggle with [all the distractions], but not me. I just love football. Nothing can ever get in the way. When I wake up, I can't wait to get to training. I don't think that'll ever change.
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The World Cup starts on 20 November, with England's first game taking place against Iran on Monday 21 November.
© Courtesy of Esquire UK / Simon EmmettPhil Foden is on the cover off Esquire's Winter 2022 issue
We're wishing Phil and the rest of the England team all the luck in the world – fingers crossed for no injuries!
The Winter 2022 issue of Esquire UK is on sale from 10 November.
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