Tim Sherwood has added to the calls for 'genius' Phil Foden to be deployed in central midfield for England.

Foden inspired Manchester City to victory on Monday night as he scored a second career hat-trick to help his team fight from behind and defeat Brentford 3-1.

It was a stunning performance from the 23-year-old and comes as Pep Guardiola has changed his position to a central role after years of playing on the flanks.

The display has sparked calls for Foden to get the same opportunities playing in midfield for England.

"I agree with some of the comments that were made last night," Sherwood said on Sky Sports News following Jamie Carragher's calls for Foden to play in the middle on Monday Night Football.

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"England manager Gareth Southgate has to build a team around this kid and he has to put him in a position where he wants to play. Which is central midfield alongside Jude Bellingham and Declan Rice.

"For me, I think he's absolute quality. If you can't build a team around a genius like this kid, I think we're going to miss the trick.

"He's just outstanding. All types of goals. He just drifts into areas, one touch outside of the box, he just pops it, moves into different positions, knows when to stand still, knows when to move. He's got a range of passing. Just total quality.

"Look at him drifting there, little control. You know when he goes through - there's other players in the Premier League you think is he going to score? - you know he's going to score when he goes in he's so assured. Magnificent."

It makes a lot of sense Gareth Southgate has always tried to keep his England teams as solid as possible in tournaments by playing two defensive midfielders and it has tended to serve him well.

But the emergence of Foden and Jude Bellingham as world class midfielders and the decline of both Jordan Henderson and Kalvin Phillips surely has to force a change of plan.

Euro 2024 isn't far away but the Three Lions do have four friendlies to go before the tournament kicks-off, which is more than enough time to test drive a midfield trio of Foden, Bellingham and Declan Rice.

While it may look attack-heavy, Foden and Bellingham are not averse to going back the other end and helping out while the quality they bring should hopefully mean England see more of the ball anyway.

That's a midfield which would strike fear into the heart of any side and, with an equally exciting forward line, England have to be among the favourites to lift the trophy. Southgate just needs to unleash his best midfield.