Gareth Southgate today insisted he “loves” Phil Foden and claimed the Manchester City star has a big role to play for England at the World Cup.
Foden was left on the bench for Friday’s 0-0 draw against the United States and Southgate is facing increased calls to start the 22-year-old against Wales tomorrow night.
Southgate has dismissed any suggestion that he has an issue with Foden and said: “We love Phil, he is a super player.
“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.
“We haven’t got any issue with Phil. 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. And 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.”
Southgate is not planning wholesale changes for England's final Group B game against Wales but he is considering refreshing his forward line.
Harry Kane does not want to be rested despite concerns over his fitness after a sluggish display against the US. Southgate admitted the England captain had felt pain in his right foot after a scan on an injury he suffered against Iran.
But Kane, who won the Golden Boot at the 2018 World Cup, needs three goals to overtake Wayne Rooney's England scoring record and wants Southgate to let him start.
Jack Grealish is pushing for his first World Cup start after scoring as a substitute against Iran and doing well when he came on against the USA. Southgate could rest Bukayo Saka, who faded in the second half on Friday before being substituted.
After England struggled against the USA, Southgate has faced more criticism for being too cautious in his approach.
But Southgate told ITV: “We were 22 games unbeaten over the previous 18 months and that never stopped. I’ve just got to focus on preparing the team as well as I can. Keeping the team calm through all the noise that happens in a tournament.
“We will always give the players the freedom to express themselves. 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.”
England need a point against Wales to guarantee a place in the last-16 and will secure top spot in Group B with a victory. Wales must win to stand any chance of going through after their 2-0 defeat by Iran on Friday.
Southgate said: “We’ve got to be tactically correct and find our best level. We’ve got to make sure we are composed but also that we play with a real attacking vigour.”
