FAMILIAR FODEN

Francis excited to face Phil in reunion of boys in Sky Blue

- BY ALEX JAMES

ED FRANCIS first came across Phil Foden when the two football-mad kids were five-year-olds taking their baby steps in the game.

More than 20 years on, the pair will reunite at the Etihad today in a storyline that maybe only the FA Cup can write.

Francis and Foden were teammates for more than a decade, rising through the ranks at a changing club on the charge.

Foden was the diminutive, skilful playmaker with his talent clear for all to see, Francis the ball-playing defender already displaying the character and leadership abilities that have seen him forge a successful playing career.

They went to school together within the City system, trained together, played together and hung out together. When City reached the 2017 FA Youth Cup final, Francis was the captain and Foden the star in the making.

Their football journeys have differed since, but Francis is relishing the chance to come up against his mate today.

“I’ll probably forget who I am,” joked the Exeter man.