DON’T PUT ALL THIS PRESSURE ON YOUNG PHIL
in Doha
PHIL FODEN has an important role to play at the World Cup but must not be put under too much pressure, Gareth Southgate has warned.
There has been a public clamour for the Manchester City midfielder to start against Wales today after he was left on the bench against the United States.
But while the England boss acknowledged Foden’s ability, he pointed to the dangers of all the spotlight being on the 22-year-old.
Southgate recognises the fans’ push for Foden (right, and above with Kyle
Walker) echoes campaigns to get Jack Grealish or Marcus
Rashford into starting line-ups.
He said: “We have to be careful because we’re putting a lot of pressure on him now.
“We’re a team and we need all the players and they can all play a part, but not any one of them is the reason we will win or lose.
“And we need to make sure we’re not building Phil into a situation where actually if he steps on the pitch this is becoming really difficult for him because the level of expectation is beyond a young guy who is still establishing himself internationally. He is in a different environment from his club where you’re comfortable with all the players you play with. It’s really distinctive, you’re going home every night, you’re calm with everything else.
“This is still a unique environment. He is a really young player, he’s doing brilliantly well and we love him to bits. We also have to look after him a bit.”
Southgate’s message seemed to be a push back on Foden starting against Wales, but he has played similar mind games before and clearly wants to take the heat out of the situation.
But he was keen to stress just how well Raheem Sterling and Bukayo Saka have played for England in recent times.
Southgate added: “We have just got really good players. Bukayo has been an outstanding player in the league this year. Raheem has scored 20 goals in 80 caps for England. Jack Grealish and Marcus are also in good form.
“We are really happy with Phil, really happy to have Phil. He is going to play a big part in this tournament, there is no doubt in my mind about that.
“We’re happy with how he is, we’re happy with how he is training. He’s bright, he’s ready and he’s a good player. We’re blessed we’ve some exciting players.”