International Players

Surprise England Ballon d'Or contender played to justify his £80m price tag

By Adedamola Samuel

Phil Foden and Mason Mount were both on the pitch for England for the match against Andorra. Other Ballon d'Or nominees, Raheem Sterlig and Harry Kane were not part of 5-0 demolition of Andorra.

Phil Foden and Mason Mount were both on the pitch for England for the match against Andorra. Other Ballon d'Or nominees, Raheem Sterlig and Harry Kane were not part of 5-0 demolition of Andorra.

Síguenos enSíguenos en Google News

The English National Team took on the Andorran National Team in a 2022 FIFA World Cup qualifying match on Saturday behind the backdrop of so many interesting stories. One of those stories was the release of the 2021 Ballon d'Or nominees shortlist that was released earlier. On the shortlist, were some players in this Andorra Vs England game, of course, players from the English side. 

Representatives of the English National Team on the 2021 Ballon d'Or award shortlist are Mason Mount, Phil Foden, Raheem Sterling, and Harry Kane. Of the quartet, the last two players were thought of to be too senior to play against the Andorran side, so the first two set about justifying their inclusion in the shortlist for the most prestigious individual award in football. 

It was Manchester City's Phil Foden who got the chance to impress from the start as he lined up in a 3-man midfield role alongside James Ward-Prowse and Jesse Lingard. The City player was bright and lively and stamped his presence on the game when he made the assist for Bukayo Saka's goal which doubled England's advantage in the 40th minute. 

The second Englishman on the Ballon d'Or shortlist to come on the pitch was Chelsea's Mason Mount. The young midfielder had been returning from injury so he was a 73rd-minute replacement for Jesse Lingard. By the time he came on, England were 4-0 up and didn't have much to do. The match ended 5-0 in favour of the English side.

 


More news