Roy Keane Stands By Phil Foden Following England's Euro 2024 Opener Criticism

England must persist with Phil Foden despite his subdued performance against Serbia in their Euro 2024 opener, according to Manchester United legend Roy Keane. Foden created just one chance in Sunday’s 1-0 victory as the Manchester City star moved to the left flank, making way for Jude Bellingham, Bukayo Saka, and Harry Kane.

The 24-year-old still managed 19 passes in the final third, only surpassed by match-winning teammate Jude Bellingham (24), but failed to register a single shot in an unusually quiet outing. Former United midfielder Keane has no doubts over Foden’s ability and criticised those calling for his removal from Gareth Southgate’s starting XI.

"This idea that you should start taking him out of the team, Phil Foden is a fantastic player who has had a great season," Keane said on ITV on Monday. "OK, he was quiet last night but he is entitled to an off night. Don’t be writing this kid off. He has got so much talent. You stick with him."

Keane continued, "You can talk about tactics and systems until the cows come home. Foden and these quality players will produce. He had a quiet night. Relax, everyone. He will be fine."

Bellingham stole the show as his 13th-minute header from Saka’s deflected right-wing cross proved decisive. Real Madrid’s Champions League-winning midfielder also became the first player to score for the Three Lions at both the World Cup and European Championship while playing his club football outside of England.

Kane was another to be kept quiet by Serbia, though the England captain had a late header expertly pushed away by Predrag Rajkovic. Keane insists Southgate’s wealth of talent will always deliver in some form, whether it comes from Kane, Bellingham, Foden or any other player.

"They have got to stay calm with it all," Keane added. "Because they have three or four world-class players, when Kane or Foden are having a bit of an off-night, players like Bellingham will step up. It might be Foden or Kane in the next game. That is the beauty of having four or five world-class players."

England head to Frankfurt on Thursday to face Denmark, aiming to extend their early lead at the top of Group C before their final meeting with Slovenia.