Gareth Southgate has assured Phil Foden that he still has a big part to play for England in the World Cup.
The Three Lions manager came in for criticism from pundits and supporters following his side's drab goalless draw with the United States on Friday night, especially because he didn't bring Phil Foden on when England were lacking an attacking spark.
Foden is yet to start in the World Cup and has only seen 19 minutes of action so far after his late cameo in the opening 6-2 mauling of Iran. Many have questioned why a player of the Manchester City star's technical qualities hasn't played more in the tournament but Southgate has said he still has an important role to play.
“He is a super player. We think the world of him and he is going to play a big part [for England at the World Cup]," he told ITV. "We love Phil. He’s a super player.
“He’s obviously been into the first game [vs Iran]. We decided not to put him into the second [vs USA] but he is going to play an important part in this tournament for us. There is no question about that.”
Foden's City and England teammate Kalvin Phillips also explained what the Stockport Iniesta can bring to the side. He said: “I think Phil can offer a lot of things. Obviously he’s an unbelievable talent, unbelievable technically and he works hard. But for me, his best role is probably as a number 10.
“I think in that role where he can float about, get on the ball and do whatever he wants to do and you see him when he takes it past people, you’ve seen the assists and the goals he’s got this year. He’s a real threat.”
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