Foden clamour puts pressure on Southgate
Gareth Southgate’s refusal to use Phil Foden during England’s drab 0-0 draw against the US has put renewed pressure on the Three Lions boss ahead of their decisive World Cup Group B clash against Wales.
With England labouring to pries open the well-drilled US defence at the Al Bayt Stadium on Friday, it was notable that Southgate turned to Jack Grealish and Marcus Rashford as his attacking changes.
For the second successive World Cup game, Manchester City playmaker Foden had started on the bench.
Ater a 19-minute cameo in the 6-2 win over Iran, he was let kicking his heels as an unused substitute as England fell flat against the US.
Foden has been frozen out by Southgate’s preference for starting Mason Mount behind striker Harry Kane, with Bukayo Saka on the right side of the atack and Raheem Sterling on the let.
While there were only muted complaints from fans and pundits about the 22-year-old’s exile when England crushed Iran, the spotlight on Southgate’s decision was far harsher following a lethargic display in the US stalemate.
“For Phil Foden not to be playing is a real shame because he’s a massive talent. He’s our best player by a mile,” former England defender Gary Neville said.
Wayne Rooney, England’s record goalscorer, agrees with Neville that Foden should be part of the starting line-up.
“I found it very strange that Foden did not come on as a substitute against the USA. He would be a key part of my starting XI if I were the England boss,” Rooney wrote in the Times.
“Technically, he is the best footballer England have. I think if you have a talent like Foden, you simply have to play him.”
Foden did start England’s first two group games at Euro 2020 but lost his place during the team’s progress to a final defeat against Italy, which he missed due to injury.
‘A SPECIAL TALENT’: As one of England’s brightest talents, with his ability on the Premier League and Champions League stages long since established, it seems curious that Southgate has been so reluctant to use Foden.
“It was baffling that he remained on the bench when the game was crying out for his creativity. He is too much of a special talent,” former England defender Jamie Carragher said.
Ater the US game, Southgate responded to critics of his use of Foden by claiming he didn’t want to feature him in a central role as he mostly plays on the flanks for City.
“Whichever one of our forwards I didn’t put on if we didn’t win the game I would be siting here answering questions,” he said.