Former Manchester City defender Micah Richards believes that Gareth Southgate and England made a massive mistake failing to bring on Phil Foden against the USA on Friday.
It was a frustrating night for the Three Lions as they failed to break down a resolute United States side who were worthy of taking a point from the game. The result leaves England top of their group on four points and in a good position to qualify for the knockout stages.
However, they could have sealed qualification from Group B last night and many fans have criticised the manager for failing to making attacking changes sooner. When those substitutions were made, Southgate opted to bring on Jack Grealish, Marcus Rashford and Jordan Henderson in order to change the game, Foden however remained rooted to the bench.
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Post-match, Richards was left puzzled by the decision. He told BBC Radio 5 Live : "You talk about creative midfielders and when we talk about England and the players available, who is the first player who comes to mind?
"Exactly it's Foden. [Mason] Mount wasn't having his greatest game today and I'm not one to put the blame on him but it was a game where we couldn't sort of get the rotations going, we couldn't get the passing quick enough and we've got one of our most talented players on the bench.
"I couldn't understand it and it's not about one player can make the difference but how many times have we seen week in, week out how he can get into them little pockets of space and make something happen out of nothing. For him to not come on the pitch today, I thought it was a massive mistake for England."
So far this season for City, Foden has scored eight goals and grabbed three assists in 20 appearances. Next up for England is their clash with Wales on Tuesday, November 29 at 7pm.
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