Breaking News: Phil Foden claims on criticism of Man City star after…
Phil Foden’s place in the England team remains under scrutiny after their quarter-final win over Switzerland at the European Championship.
The Manchester City star attracted criticism for his performance in the first game of the tournament, and his subsequent displays have prompted questions over whether the left wing is the best position for a player that took the Premier League by storm moving through the middle. Against Switzerland, a suspension to Marc Guehi allowed England manager Gareth Southgate to tinker with his formation and move Foden inside.
That didn’t bring huge change; England regressed in the second half and Foden was taken off before the penalty shootout that saw them book their place in the semi-final. However, the 24-year-old’s performance was enough in the first half to have former England internationals convinced that he was central to the improvement seen in the BBC studios.
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Former United defender Rio Fernandind hailed Foden in his new position as ‘the difference’ in the team’s better performance while former Chelsea midfielder Frank Lampard hailed the opportunities that he opened up for the rest of the side. “He gives you a feeling of control becasue when he has the ball at his feet you always know he can handle it, move it and always find that pass. That is top level players that do that in tight areas,” he said.”
Former Leicester striker and host Gary Lineker went even further, relishing in the freedom that Foden had finally been given to influence the game. “He’s one of the best No.10s, if not the best No.10, in world football playing in that way. It just felt like he was locked up [in previous games].”
Foden will hope that he has done enough to keep his place in the team for Wednesday’s semi-final, where Nathan Ake and the Netherlands team awaits. The winners will go on to face France or Spain in next weekend’s final.
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