Southgate Envisions Key Central Role For 'Brilliant' Foden In Euro 2024
Gareth Southgate has emphasised that Phil Foden's starting position is less crucial than the spaces he can exploit, committing to finding a way for him to operate centrally at Euro 2024. Foden was included in England's 33-man preliminary squad on Tuesday and is expected to be a key player after an impressive season.
Foden was named Premier League Player of the Season, contributing significantly to Manchester City's fourth consecutive title with 19 goals and seven assists. Only three players in the league scored more goals than Foden, who also ranked seventh for chances created (73) and fourth for possession won in the final third (35 times).
Foden's two goals in City's 3-1 final-day victory over West Ham were pivotal, as he found space between the lines and in the penalty area. Despite speculation that Foden will play on the left due to the presence of Jude Bellingham and Bukayo Saka, Southgate recognises the importance of positional freedom for Foden.
"Phil has played off the right, off the left; the key is where he ends up, not his starting position," Southgate said at a press conference on Tuesday. "He plays on the left with City, sometimes he stays wide, but he's allowed to drift, and it has always been the same with us."
Southgate highlighted that players like Jude Bellingham have also shown versatility. "Jude has played as a 10 all season and sometimes defended on the left for Real Madrid. It's about where these players arrive and where you allow them to drift," he added.
Foden delivered several crucial performances for City, including match-winning hat-tricks against Brentford and Aston Villa and a vital comeback against Manchester United with two goals in March. The 23-year-old stepped up when key players like Kevin De Bruyne and Erling Haaland were injured, impressing Southgate with his ability to shoulder responsibility.
"It's obvious the brilliant season Phil has had, how he stepped up in big games not only when big players have been out but when he's been playing alongside them as well," Southgate noted. "You want him in central areas as you do one or two others, so we have to find the best way of making that happen."
England's Provisional Squad
Gareth Southgate has named his provisional England squad ahead of Euro 2024, with some surprising omissions and additions. The squad selection has sparked discussions among fans and analysts about potential starting XIs for England's first game against Serbia.
6 - Phil Foden has scored six goals from outside the box in the Premier League this season; the most by a @ManCity player in a single campaign in the competition. Super. pic.twitter.com/PEGqfaFHfF
— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) May 19, 2024
Gareth Southgate has named his provisional England squad ahead of Euro 2024, with some surprising omissions and additions. Our team of writers have chosen their own suggested England starting XIs for the first game against Serbia. Are there any wild shouts? #Euro2024 pic.twitter.com/7y8Q9k5Z5Z
— Opta Analyst (@OptaAnalyst) May 21, 2024
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