Former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher has questioned whether Pep Guardiola would have brought on Jack Grealish ahead of Phil Foden for Manchester City as England drew 0-0 with the USA.
It was an uninspiring stalemate for the Three Lions who failed in large parts to break down a resolute United States side. Indeed, the Americans had arguably the best chances to win the game with Christian Pulisic clipping the crossbar in the first half and Weston McKennie blazing an easy opportunity over.
As England looked for options to change the game, Gareth Southgate brought on Grealish and Marcus Rashford but neither had the desired effect. This left many to ponder why Foden was an unused substitute in Al Khor.
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Carragher was among those asking this question and in his Daily Telegraph column he questioned the manager's decision-making. "As England toiled to create a chance against a well-organised USA team, you could almost hear a nation shouting at the TV: 'Get Phil Foden on,'" he wrote.
"I was among those hoping Gareth Southgate would turn to the Manchester City youngster. It was baffling that he remained on the bench when the game was crying out for his creativity.
"If you had told me before the tournament that Foden would only feature for 19 minutes of the first two World Cup games, my initial thought would be he must be injured. Speak to any football supporter watching the Premier League over the last three years and ask ‘who is the most naturally gifted English footballer today?’ and 80 per cent would say Foden. The other 20 per cent are not watching closely enough.
"For Southgate to turn to his substitutes and opt for his City team-mate Jack Grealish ahead of him felt strange. Would Pep Guardiola look to Grealish before Foden if seeking a winning goal? Highly unlikely.
"To be fair to Southgate, it must be acknowledged Foden has not yet produced his Manchester City form in an England shirt. The broader question must be why, and how can that be fixed sooner rather than later.
"Preferably in this tournament. He belongs on this stage."
In 20 appearances so far for City this season, Foden has scored eight goals and grabbed three assists. England will next be in action on Tuesday, November 29 when they face Wales in their last match in Group B.
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