Foden Stresses Player Accountability In England's Euro 2024 Campaign

By OneArabia

Published: Thursday, July 4, 2024, 13:54 [GST]

Saved to my Saves!

Removed from my Saves!

Phil Foden emphasises the need for England's players to take responsibility as they strive to find their best form at Euro 2024. The team has struggled throughout the tournament, narrowly avoiding elimination in the last 16 thanks to Jude Bellingham's late overhead kick against Slovakia. Harry Kane secured the win in extra time, but overall performances have been disappointing.Gareth Southgate, who will manage his 100th match for England against Switzerland on Saturday, has faced significant criticism. However, Foden believes the players must also be accountable. "The players have got to take some of the blame," Foden said. "There has to be some leaders to get together and find out a solution to why it is not working."Foden stressed that while Southgate sets up the system and instructs them on pressing, it ultimately falls on the players to execute these plans effectively. "In training, he has been telling us to press and be high up on the pitch," Foden noted. "Sometimes, it has to come from the players."Reflecting on past matches, Foden mentioned that better communication among players during games could lead to finding solutions more quickly. "We have spoken about it more," he added. "If it happens again in a game, we can get together and find a solution, see where it is going wrong and adapt our press."Southgate will become only the third manager to reach 100 matches in charge of England. Walter Winterbottom drew his 100th match (3-3 against Northern Ireland in 1958), while Alf Ramsey won his (1-0 against Wales in 1972). Under Southgate's leadership, England has reached the quarter-finals in all four major tournaments they've participated in.England's record under Southgate includes progressing from two of their four Euro quarter-final matches. Notably, three of these four games were decided by penalties.

When @JPickford1 scored from the spot against Switzerland in 2019! pic.twitter.com/sRpdNjl2b6

— England (@England) July 4, 2024

More football News

UAE Introduces First AI-Powered Sports Diploma With Global FIFA And Olympic Experts

Al Ain Ladies Club Launches First Women's Football Championship To Empower Athletes

Riyadh Season 2026 To Feature Global Flag Football Event With Tom Brady And Kevin Hart

Foden expressed sympathy for Southgate amid the criticism he faces. "I feel sorry for Gareth," he said. "He sets you up in a system and tells you how to press. If it is not going like that, you have to [work it out]."As England prepares for their next challenge against Switzerland, Foden's call for player responsibility and leadership highlights a crucial aspect of their strategy moving forward. The team's ability to self-correct during matches could be key to improving their performance at Euro 2024.The upcoming match will serve as both a milestone for Southgate and an opportunity for England's players to demonstrate their commitment to taking charge on the field.