Gareth Southgate has explained he can see Phil Foden playing a number of roles for England but has still voiced concern about his lack of time in attacking midfield at Manchester City.
The Three Lions boss has predictably been on the receiving end of stiff criticism over the last few days following his side's deflating 0-0 draw with the United States. The big talking part of the match in the aftermath was the fact that Foden wasn't brought on in the second half even though England were severely lacking an attacking spark.
Pundits and supporters alike have questioned how a player of the City star's skill and ability has only managed to play 19 minutes in the World Cup so far but Southgate has insisted he still has an important role to play. When asked about Foden's role in the side by the BBC, he replied: “There’s different possibilities with that.
"He can play off either flank, he can play as a false nine if we choose to do that, he can play off of a striker although he doesn’t really do that so much at club level. So that’s applicable for certain types of games or certain moments in games.
But he’s a very flexible player in terms of the attributes that he has and where he can have an impact, and he’s a goal threat - which is also really important.”
Speaking to ITV, Southgate also said: “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.”
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