Guardiola and Wenger praise England youngsters

Following their wins over Swansea and West Brom respectively in the Premier League on Saturday, the pair congratulated the 'Young Lions', declaring their success a great step forward for English football.

City had particular reason to celebrate, with goalkeeper Curtis Anderson, defender Joel Latibeaudiere and playmaker Phil Foden all starting the final. Foden in particular was in fine form, masterminding England's comeback with two goals and a mesmerising display of vision and passing ability.

"What position did he play? Because when he comes back I am going to put him in this position," Guardiola joked after the win at the Hawthorns.

"It is so important for Manchester City, for him, for everybody, that he played at a high, high level in that competition. We cannot forget that he played at a World Cup, so England will be world champions at that age.

"When that guy grows and plays in a World Cup in the future, he has lived that situation before and knows what he has to do. That is (good) for English football.

"To the manager, all the staff and all the players; a big, big congratulations because they need that. The U21s, the first team achieved the last rounds once and, when that happens, English football will have a step they need."

Wenger was also delighted with the victory, despite there being only one Arsenal player involved in the form of Emile Smith-Rowe.

"I am so happy because I am here for 20 years and we didn't do so well with the youngsters," he explained.

"They won the U17s today, the U20s (earlier in the year), and it shows that, since they have restructured the academy work and dedicated to that, you have the results.

"For once we all have the opportunity to congratulate the FA - and it has not happened a lot."