Gareth Southgate must solve his Phil Foden conundrum as the England playmaker struggles to reproduce his brilliant Manchester City form at international level.
While England can book their place in the last 16 of Euro 2024 by beating Denmark in Frankfurt tonight, Foden's latest underwhelming display for his country has sparked a debate about Southgate's use of such a sublime talent.
Foden had little impact on England's nervy 1-0 win against Serbia in their Group C opener in Gelsenkirchen.
The 24-year-old was voted the Premier League's Player of the Year after playing a key role in City's fourth successive title triumph with 19 goals and eight assists. Yet Foden has never looked comfortable in an England shirt.
Southgate's decision to play Jude Bellingham as England's number 10 with Bukayo Saka on the right flank shunted Foden out to the left wing against Serbia. Not for the first time, Foden seemed lost on that side of the three attacking midfield spots behind striker Harry Kane.
Former Manchester City and England defender Micah Richards questioned whether Southgate is deploying Foden correctly. "His best work has been in the middle of the pitch," Richards said. "Sometimes on the left-hand side he needs to dribble past his opponent - that's not his game."
Rio Ferdinand, the ex-Manchester United and England center-back, is concerned Bellingham might be demanding the ball too often, diminishing Foden's chances to contribute. "Jude Bellingham's body language has said to everyone 'give me the ball or I will go nuts'," Ferdinand said. "Phil Foden is not like that but he is allowing someone else to be the dominant figure in this team."
Phil Foden has never looked comfortable in an England shirt. AFP
Gareth Southgate
