Football News Update: Euro 2024, Champions League, FIFA World Cup, and More
In the aftermath of England’s dramatic victory over Slovakia on Sunday, Phil Foden has come out in defense of manager Gareth Southgate’s tactics, insisting that the players must shoulder more responsibility for the team’s underwhelming performances at Euro 2024.
As England look to make a drastic improvement in their quarter-final clash against Switzerland on Saturday, Southgate has been ramping up his preparations, with the team trialing a back three in training this week. This tactical adjustment could be a response to the suspension of Marc Guéhi, with Ezri Konsa likely to replace him in central defense.
“I feel sorry for Gareth,” he said. “The players have to take some of the blame. There has to be some leaders to get together. There is only so much the manager can do.”
The 24-year-old Manchester City star, who has been frustrated by England’s lack of productivity in the final third, believes that the team must be more adaptable and find solutions when their pressing game malfunctions.
“We have to be leaders and I feel like in games we could have got together more and worked out a solution,” Foden said.
England are hopeful that Luke Shaw, the squad’s only left-back, will be available to play some part against Switzerland. The return of the Manchester United player, who has been sidelined with a hamstring injury since February, could provide much-needed balance to the team.
Despite Foden’s natural instinct to drift inside, he has been trying to make things happen on the left flank, with Southgate keeping faith in an attack that also features Jude Bellingham and Bukayo Saka operating behind Harry Kane. Foden acknowledges that the attack is yet to click, but remains confident that the team can turn things around.
“I am not going to lie, I want to try and score, do better things for England,” Foden said. “It has not worked out but it is about keeping a good mentality. I have not been the best player in the Premier League to come here and not show it.”
With the euphoria of the Slovakia win now faded, England’s focus is firmly on making a statement against Switzerland in the quarter-finals. Foden and his teammates will be hoping to showcase their true potential and secure a place in the semi-finals of Euro 2024.
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