After missing out on another starting place for England the question remains. How does Phil Foden play his way into England’s starting eleven?
The poster boy of Manchester City’s academy has started the new season in fine form. After moving into a role in central midfield, the early signs have been promising from Foden. He put in a man-of-the-match display against Newcastle, which showed how damaging he can be in central midfield. Foden switching to the right-hand side and drifting into midfield also helped City beat Fulham 5-1 in City’s last game before the international break.
But despite his great start to the season for City, Gareth Southgate still won’t start Phil Foden. Against Ukraine, Southgate went with what he knew with Declan Rice, Jude Bellingham and Jordan Henderson given the starting positions.
Imagine having a very obvious midfield of Rice, Bellingham and Foden right there staring you in the face and *not* playing it. Mental.
— Steven (@StevenMcinerney) September 9, 2023
While there’s nothing wrong with that lineup, a midfield trio of Rice, Bellingham and Foden appears infinitely more threatening. As England bids to win the Euro 24 competition, a bigger attacking threat from midfield may help Southgate’s squad finally overcome the bigger nations in the knockout stages.
As for Phil Foden, all he can do is build on his impressive start to the 23/24 season. His move into midfield was eagerly anticipated by City fans, and so far this season it hasn’t disappointed. If he continues his strong start to the new campaign, eventually he will make his case for a starting position in the England midfielder insurmountable.
If that does happen Manchester City fans will be in for a treat this season. Foden is one of the most talented players England possess currently. If he does force his way into Southgate’s starting eleven it will be because of his strong form for the treble winners.
