Phil Foden has aimed a dig at Gareth Southgate by suggesting he was frustrated with his position for England at the European Championships back in the summer.
Manchester City star Phil Foden has taken a subtle swipe at former England manager Gareth Southgate, admitting he felt “frustrated” with his role during Euro 2024 and struggled to replicate his club form on the international stage.
Foden, who primarily played on the left wing for England at the tournament, believes he was not used effectively, despite excelling in his attacking midfield role for Manchester City under Pep Guardiola.
The 24-year-old enjoyed a very good club campaign last season under Pep Guardiola last term as the club won the Premier League title for the fourth year on the trot and he was able to earn the Premier League Player of the Season award.
However, with Real Madrid’s Jude Bellingham occupying a similar attacking midfield position for England then-manager Gareth Southgate sought to best use deep attacking resources at the tournament. Foden was shifted out of his preferred spot in the forward line and was used out wide by Southgate at Euro 2024, with England struggling throughout the tournament despite making the final.
Despite England reached the final of the tournament in Germany, where they suffered a narrow defeat to Spain, their approach throughout the tournament attracted criticism. Foden, in particular, struggled to produce the sort of form that had seen him named Premier League Player of the Season as Manchester City secured another title.
Foden has recently returned to form with City after toiling at the start of the season scoring six goals in six games
Speaking to the Manchester Evening News, Foden reflected on his Euro 2024 struggles and hinted at his frustrations under Southgate.
“I feel frustrated I didn’t get out what I wanted to”.
“The position I was put in on the left was very difficult to influence the game”.
“Coming off last season being the best player in the Premier League and playing centre-midfield, I do feel the position was quite difficult to get used to. I’m one who can play multiple positions and had to try to deal with it the best I could. I don’t feel like England ever get going or performed to our potential.”
The 24-year-old Man City star emphasised his adaptability but suggested that England never truly clicked at the tournament.
‘I’m one who can play multiple positions and I had to try to deal with it the best I could,’ he added. ‘I don’t feel like England ever got going or performed to our potential.’
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