Breaking News: “What’s Changed? Euro 2024 Reveals Surprising Shift in Man City’s Phil Foden”
Rafael Benitez has made an observation about Phil Foden ahead of England’s upcoming Euro 2024 final against Spain on Sunday.
Foden has played in central positions in the Three Lions’ previous two outings against Switzerland and the Netherlands; with Gareth Southgate expected to start him as an attacking midfielder against Luis de la Fuente’s side as well.
Manchester City’s number 47 will be one of the players expected to light up England’s much-awaited showdown against Spain.
For City last season, Foden showed time and again that he can be relied upon to deliver in the biggest moments.
- READ MORE: Who is Phil Foden? Inside the life of Man City’s ‘Stockport Iniesta’
Rafael Benitez makes key observation about Phil Foden ahead of England vs Spain
Several midfielders have taken centerstage in major tournament finals for their countries.
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Andres Iniesta’s name stands out — scoring a sublime winner in Spain’s 2010 World Cup final triumph against the Netherlands in their 1-0 win.
However, aside from goals and assists, players like Xavi Hernandez, N’Golo Kante and Andrea Pirlo have all ran the show for their nations in such finals.
A factor that could help Foden in doing so against Spain is how he feels during the game — with Rafael Benitez noting that he has looked a lot happier in an England shirt in recent games.
Benitez told AS: “You can see that [Phil] Foden is happier since moving off the left and over towards central areas and the right. He is influencing matches and has a good understanding with Bukayo Saka on that side of the pitch. Similarly, Declan Rice is going to the left and Bellingham is moving between the lines.”
“He is a great talent and a street kid who plays football with the passion of the street.”
Phil Foden must be feeling confident knowing he will start in midfield in Euro 2024 final
In the initial games of the competition, perhaps the 24-year-old was not feeling his most confident self due to knowing he was set to play out of position as a left-winger.
But as Rafael Benitez claimed, Foden looks a lot more content playing centrally and knowing he could play in his natural role against Spain, he would be feeling far more assured knowing he could make a difference for England.
Even some of the best players in the world have a preference for playing in certain positions.
Considering how spectacular a team Spain are, it would have been a huge challenge for Foden to be impactful off either flank.
The Stockport-born technician, however, has every reason to be feeling content and full of self-belief heading into Sunday’s blockbuster clash.
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Jan Vertonghen has made a prediction about one Manchester City player after Spain beat England 2-1 in the Euro 2024 final.
Luis de La Fuente’s side were crowned the European Championship winners after a pulsating final.
Nico Williams opened the scoring after converting a lovely Lamine Yamal pass from close quarters.
However, Cole Palmer came off the bench to score a fantastic equaliser from outside the box.
In the 86th minute, super-sub Mikel Oyarzabal dispatched a late winner to help Spain win the tournament for the first time since 2012.
Rodri, however, had to witness proceedings from the sidelines after going off injured at half-time.
- READ MORE: Who is Rodri? Get to know Man City’s modest midfield maestro who won a Champions League final
‘In this tournament’: Jamie Carragher says Spain have a player who was actually better than Rodri at Euro 2024
‘Confirmed’: Jan Vertonghen says £62m Man City star will win the Ballon d’Or after Spain beat England
‘I personally think’: Steve McManaman says Man City star should be named Euro 2024 Player of the Tournament
Rafael Benitez suggests Manchester City have a player on their books who is genuinely flawless
‘The greatest’: Danny Murphy says £220k-a-week Man City player might be the best ever in his position
‘Probably’: Gary Lineker says one Man City star could actually win the Euro 2024 Player of the Tournament
Jan Vertonghen makes interesting Rodri prediction
The £62.5 million man was replaced at half-time for Martin Zubimendi.
At the time, it seemed like Spain had suffered a massive blow.
But the Real Sociedad midfielder deputised for the Manchester City maestro with aplomb.
As Spain defeated England to become the champions of Euro 2024, Vertonghen predicted that Rodri is set to win the Ballon d’Or.
The Belgian wrote on X: “Rodri Ballon d’Or confirmed.”
Rodri seems destined for Ballon d’Or after Spain beat England in Euro 2024 final
It is hard to disagree with Vertonghen about Rodri.
The 28-year-old has had an incredible tournament and he has ended up on the winning team.
Rodri came into the tournament off the back of being one of Europe’s most in-form players.
In a Spanish shirt, the Madrid-born technician was a joy to watch and while his outing in the final was interrupted, throughout the competition, he was one of, if not his nation’s best player.
Having won the Player of the Tournament award as well, Rodri seems destined to win the Ballon d’Or.
The newly-crowned European champion is well and truly a special player deserving of such accolades.
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