I played with Foden & won U17 World Cup – now I’m slugging it out in non-league

A PREMIER League prodigy went from winning the U-17s World Cup with Phil Foden to non-league football in just six years.

Nya Kirby played a crucial role in the Young Lions' 2017 success - scoring the winning penalty in the last-16 against Japan.

And the midfield starlet, then 17, came off the bench to help England come from behind to outclass Spain in the final.

At the time, the Crystal Palace graduate shared a dressing room with the likes of Man City's Phil Foden and Utd's Jadon Sancho.

Old England U-17 photos show Kirby also alongside Sheffield United's Rhian Brewster and Forest winger Callum Hudson-Odoi.

And Kirby was tipped to be another home-grown hero, too.

But tonight he is taking part in a different cup competition - an FA Cup fourth qualifying round replay.

He is set to line up for non-league part-timers Oxford City who take on Scarborough Athletic in a bid to reach the first round.

After failing to impress on loan moves at Blackpool and Tranmere Rovers, Kirby was released by then Palace boss Patrick Vieira.

The London-born footballer joined the Vanarama National League side - in the fifth tier of England's football pyramid - this summer.

The club, promoted last year to the top division of non-league football, play on an artificial pitch and average just 945 supporters.

Announcing the signing, Oxford City told fans: “Oxford City FC is delighted to announce the signing of midfielder Nya Kirby ahead of the 23/24 campaign.

“The highly-rated 23-year-old has already had an impressive career, coming through the ranks at Tottenham Hotspur and Crystal Palace.

“Most notably, Kirby was a member of the England U17 squad that won the U17's World Cup back in 2017.

“Furthermore, he played a crucial role in the tournament, scoring the