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Foden’s Role Amid International Calls
During the recent international break, Phil Foden became a subject of discussion, with calls to include him in England’s midfield following a rather uneventful draw with Ukraine in a Euro 2024 qualifier in Poland.
England manager Gareth Southgate, however, resisted these calls and opted not to deploy the 23-year-old in midfield against Scotland, citing Pep Guardiola’s use of Foden as a forward at Manchester City.
Southgate’s Stance and Considerations
Southgate defended his decision, stating, “Well, he doesn’t [play there] for his club, so presumably there’s a reason for that,” implying that positional decisions are context-dependent. He emphasized the importance of both offensive and defensive responsibilities in midfield.
Foden’s Performance Against Scotland
Despite the debate, Foden excelled in England’s victory over Scotland, scoring the opening goal in a 3-1 win, which partially validated Southgate’s choice.
Guardiola’s Perspective
Pep Guardiola, Foden’s club manager at Manchester City, has acknowledged Foden’s versatility and ability to play in central midfield. He expressed admiration for Southgate’s decision while emphasizing that Foden can excel in various positions.
Guardiola emphasized the importance of a player’s mentality in striving to be the best and recognized that Foden possesses the mindset required to perform in different roles.
In conclusion, while there may be differing opinions on Foden’s ideal position, both Southgate and Guardiola acknowledge his versatility and the adaptability required to excel in different roles, whether in midfield or as a forward.
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