England’s performance in the 0-0 draw against the USA was poor. After the harmless appearance in the second group game, criticism of coach Gareth Southgate is raised again. At the center of the criticism is the question: why did Phil Foden stay on the bench for 90 minutes?
Phil Foden is one of the most valuable players in the world. English fans were certain that the 22-year-old could be a key player at this year’s World Cup. Foden has recently been in good form at Manchester City – he has collected a proud ten points in 14 Premier League games. However, under national coach Gareth Southgate, the young star is hardly considered.
Phil Foden sat on the bench for 90 minutes in Friday night’s game against the USA. In the first group game against Iran, the City star had no place in the starting XI. In the 6-2 opening win, Foden came up with a 20-minute short mission. The fact that the offensive player did not play at all on the second day of the game triggered criticism in his home country.
Due to the weak first half, fans had at least expected an early substitution. Foden would have brought dynamism to the offensive game, many Englishmen were sure. Instead, Southgate brought on Jordan Henderson for Jude Bellingham (68′), Jack Grealish for Raheem Sterling (68′) and Marcus Rashford for Bukayo Saka (78′).
At the press conference, Southgate was confronted with the questionable decision. The long-time national coach elaborated on his thoughts: “We didn’t think it was a game for Phil in the middle. We thought Hendo [editor’s note Jordan Henderson] could help us give Jude Bellingham a break too can give. We thought Marcus Rashford’s pace helped us.” The jokers ultimately didn’t help. The game ended 0:0.
In the run-up to the World Cup, many fans had wanted Foden in the starting XI. A 3-4-3 formation alongside captain Harry Kane and Raheem Sterling on offense was expected. So far, however, Southgate has opted for a 4-2-3-1 system with Mason Mount occupying the tenth position. The Chelsea star remained pale on Friday night, having little action apart from a shot on target.
After the disappointing performance, there were calls for Phil Foden to start in the final group game against Wales. “He is by far our best player, our greatest talent and he should play,” said TV pundit and ex-United player Gary Neville. Expert Jamie Garragher also called for changes: “I think he should make two or three changes to freshen up the team.”
This article was originally posted on 90min.de as England: Why was Foden left on the bench? released.
