Phil Foden’s Honest Take on England’s Euro 2024 Struggles and His Preferred Role
Phil Foden, riding high from his sensational season with Manchester City, has brought his electric form to Euro 2024. However, his performances for England haven’t quite matched the heights of his club exploits. Foden believes the blame for England’s underwhelming tournament should fall on the players, not manager Gareth Southgate. Yet, he didn’t shy away from sending a clear message about his preferred role in the team.
After being named Premier League Player of the Season, Foden came into Euro 2024 in peak form, excelling as a central number ten for City, especially in Kevin De Bruyne’s absence. Southgate hoped Foden could replicate this impact from the wing, drifting inside, but results have been mixed. Foden, acknowledging his own need to step up, also emphasized his effectiveness in a central role for both club and country.
“I’ve been a bit frustrated, I’m not going to lie,” Foden admitted ahead of England’s quarter-final against Manuel Akanji’s Switzerland. “I want to try and score, try and do better things for England and at times it’s not worked out but it’s about keeping a good mentality. I’ve not been the best player in the Premier League to come here and not show it. I feel like every game I’m moving little steps forward and hopefully I can put in good performances for England, that’s always been my aim.”
Taking responsibility for England’s struggles, Foden said, “The players have got to take some of the blame. There has to be some leaders to get together and find out a solution to why it is not working. There is only so much the manager can do. 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].”
Expressing sympathy for Southgate, Foden added, “I feel sorry for Gareth. In training, he has been telling us to press and be high up on the pitch and I feel like sometimes, it has to come from the players. We have to be leaders. In games we could have got together a little bit more and worked out a solution.”
Foden’s desire to play as the main No.10 at City has been clear all season, but with De Bruyne’s return, he was moved back out wide. For England, he faces a similar situation, playing on the left to make room for Jude Bellingham. Despite this, Foden is optimistic about his partnership with Bellingham improving but is also vocal about wanting to be the central playmaker, a message likely directed at both Southgate and Pep Guardiola.
“I have shown this season for City that I have moved more centrally and the goals have gone up and I have influenced more games,” he explained. “I have always been honest about my position and I have always seen myself as playing midfield.”
In a moment of levity, Foden recalled witnessing Bellingham’s crucial 95th-minute equalizer from the sidelines, just after being substituted. With his newborn baby on his mind, he joked, “I thought, ‘I’m 30 seconds away from doing baby feeds at home’.”
Foden’s candid reflections highlight his ambition and determination to contribute more significantly, both for England and Manchester City, as he continues to seek out the role where he can best showcase his talents.
