PHILLY FODEN

England ace shines among new Pep stars

- by JOHN CROSS in Philadelphia

PEP GUARDIOLA unveiled his new-look Manchester City - and yet it was a familiar face who stole the show.

Phil Foden scored, provided an assist and, more importantly, looked like he was a man on a mission as City cruised to victory, even if they finished with 10 men after Rico Lewis’ late red card.

Foden was City’s standout player in their last title-winning season of 2023/24 when he was also the best player in the Premier League bar none.

And yet ‘this’ season - you forget which season the Club World Cup is in - has been frustrating for Foden through injury, form and losing his England place.

But this felt like a statement of intent from the 25-year-old who was sharp, looked super fit and in the mood as he buzzed around in the midday heat in Philadelphia's Lincoln Financial Field.