Gareth Southgate may have been left with more questions than answers after wrapping up England’s last warm-up match before Euro 2024. The Three Lions welcomed Iceland to Wembley on Friday night but despite hoping for confidence-boosting victory they struggled in a 1-0 defeat.
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While Jude Bellingham missed out as result of his Champions League win with Real Madrid, Bukayo Saka was only fit enough for spot on the bench, Southgate named arguably his strongest side. However the performance raised significant concerns, particularly about Phil Foden’s role in the squad.
Is Phil Foden at Risk of Being Dropped?
He might have been unplayable for Manchester City last season but Phil Foden has been anything but that for England. The midfielder linked up with England, having scored 27 times and provided 12 assists for Man City. This left many to tip him as potential star of the tournament. Unfortunately his performance against Iceland was anonymous. This has happened a little bit too often when representing England.
Gareth Southgate didn’t sound too concerned post-match. He said, “Phil needed the game. I am not concerned about his performance. After a few more days training that’ll come.” However talkSPORT commentator Jim Proudfoot is not totally convinced. He doubts Foden should be a dead-cert to start for England. He said, “I don’t know a Manchester City fan that admires Phil Foden more than I do. But he hasn’t conjured up a raft of stellar performances for England. That’s a concern.”
“On basis of his Man City form I find it incomprehensible we could be even having this debate. I think he’s sensational talent. I don’t know that we know how to get him into England team. I just wonder where he is going to end up. Maybe he will be an impact sub. I almost hate myself for saying that. But we just see it quite often enough in England shirt.”
“He’s scored two international goals in nearly four years. I don’t think we know how to get best out of him. You don’t need best individuals; you need best team. I am just putting it out there. Maybe a more orthodox left winger might bring more to team. I am not saying Phil Foden shouldn’t play. I am just not convinced that’s right balance.”
With Cole Palmer and Eberechi Eze both impressing over last week for England, Southgate certainly has some big decisions to make. If he’s basing his first XI on these warm-up matches then Foden could be a surprise omission. Against Serbia.
