David Beckham believes that Manchester City duo Phil Foden and Jack Grealish can play a key role in England's World Cup campaign.
England began their World Cup campaign in Qatar with a 6-2 thrashing of Iran on Monday, with Jack Grealish getting on the scoresheet in the closing stages of the game. Both he and Foden came off the bench that day, and will be hoping to play important roles against the United States on Friday and Wales next week.
England were beaten finalists at Euro 2020 last year, but not since 1966 have the Three Lions appeared in a men's World Cup final. Beckham, who made 115 appearances for England and played at three World Cups, sees no reason why Gareth Southgate's side can't end the hoodoo this year.
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"The England team are in good shape," Beckham said. "We had a great start to the tournament and the lads are feeling good, they are looking good.
"The atmosphere is great between them all and the fans are feeling that so fans are reacting to that. The excitement will now be building towards this game tonight [Friday]."
Many bookmakers slashed the odds on England to lift the famous trophy on December 18 after their superb performance against Iran, and Beckham believes this is the perfect opportunity for a talented group of players to make history - and that includes Foden and Grealish, regardless of whether they start on the pitch or on the bench.
"It is a great opportunity for many of the players. You saw the other night, we have a strong starting 11 but it is not just about the starting 11, we have a strong bench.
"When you see Jack [Grealish] and when you see Phil [Foden] come off the bench, those things are important in a tournament like this and I am excited about tonight [Friday]."
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