Football News: Foden Struggles to Shine for England, Barnes Cites Tactical Differences with Manchester City
Foden’s England Dilemma: Tactically Mismatched?
John Barnes believes that Phil Foden will continue to face challenges playing for England, as the national team’s tactics differ significantly from Manchester City‘s style under Pep Guardiola.
The attacking midfielder struggled to make an impact in England’s 1-0 victory over Serbia on Sunday, with the team’s best play coming down the right-hand side. Many experts believe Foden’s preferred position is as a number ten behind the striker, but he may have to settle for a role on the left for the Three Lions, a position he has also occupied for his club.
“It’s the same for Foden. Whether you put Foden on the left, the middle or the right, unless England are going to play like Man City, nothing will change,” Barnes said in an interview with talkSPORT.
Barnes, who experienced a similar situation while playing for England and Liverpool under Sir Bobby Robson, sympathizes with Foden’s predicament. The former England international doubts Foden will become a star at Euro 2024 for the national team unless England start playing like Manchester City or the attacker changes his position.
Tactical Alignment: The Key to Unlocking Foden’s Potential?
The former Liverpool winger believes that unless England adopt a playing style similar to Manchester City’s, they will never get the best out of Foden or other talented players like Jude Bellingham, Anthony Gordon, and Cole Palmer.
“If Jude Bellingham is going to be the No.10, the playmaker on the ball all the time, all Foden will be is a bit-part player. Work hard, defend, give the ball to Bellingham. Therefore, what is he doing there? It doesn’t matter what position he plays,” Barnes added.
Former Arsenal and Spain midfielder Cesc Fabregas also weighed in, suggesting that Foden needs to take more responsibility in an England shirt and “want it more than the rest” to showcase his true class and talent.
As the focus shifts to the upcoming Euro 2024 and the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the England management team will need to address the tactical conundrum surrounding Foden and other talented players if they hope to see the national team reach its full potential on the international stage.
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