Football

World Cup 2022: England manager reveals World Cup plans for Phil Foden

World Cup 2022: England manager reveals World Cup plans for Phil Foden

England manager Gareth Southgate says midfielder Phil Foden still has an important role to play at the 2022 World Cup.

Foden played just 20 minutes in the opening win against Iran, and was left on the bench for the following group game against the USA.

Despite the lack of playing time, the England boss has plenty of adoration for the young midfielder.

Foden has once again been impressing for his club this season. He has eight goals and three assists in all competitions.

The young midfielder has seven goals in his 14 Premier League matches so far this season.

England boss has Foden plans

There are growing calls for the Manchester City man to be given a starting role in the match against Wales.

Tuesday’s game is England’s last in Group B, with the Three Lions currently sitting top of the standings. But Foden has yet to be handed a real opportunity to showcase his talent in Qatar.

“We love Phil, he is a super player,” said Southgate, as reported by the Evening Standard. “He was into the first game, we decided not to put him into the second.

“But he is going to play an important part in this tournament for us, there is no question about that.”

Southgate has “no issues” with Foden

Southgate added that there are no issues with Foden, and that the midfielder has a key role to play in the matches to come in Qatar, should England qualify for the knockout stages.

“We haven’t got any issue with Phil,” said Southgate. “In September he started both games for us and we put him into the game versus Iran.

“We decided to stick with that team and we felt the changes required something a little different for the USA.

“But we are intending to be here as long as we can. He is a super player and we think the world of him. And he is going to play a big part.

“He can play off either wing. He can play as a false nine. He can play behind a striker.

“He doesn’t do that as often for his club. He works hard for the team and, of course, he has fabulous technical ability.”

England

England on course to win group

England have four points from their two matches and sit top of Group B, one point ahead of Iran.

Southgate is happy for his men to play freely in the final game, but is fully aware of just how difficult that can be on the big stage.

According to the Three Lions manager, the side are in the perfect position to secure their place in the knockout stages.

“We will always give the players the freedom to express themselves,” said Southgate.

“If you speak to any of them, then they would articulate that. But, of course, you play opponents who stop you from doing that.

“Our experience of tournaments has been helpful. The players know we are on track.

“We are in a good position to qualify, a good position to win the group and that’s got to be our aim over the next few days.”


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