Former Liverpool and England winger John Barnes believes Phil Foden can play a key role in England's bid to win the World Cup, but that differences between Manchester City and the Three Lions have a negative impact on his game.
Foden and the rest of the England squad are gearing up for a crunch World Cup quarter-final clash with France on Saturday, with the City attacker looking likely to start. After starting England's opening two group matches on the bench, Gareth Southgate promoted Foden to his starting XI for the 3-0 defeats of Wales and Senegal.
The 22-year-old played a key role in both victories, scoring against Wales before setting up his side's second and third goals in the last-16 defeat of Senegal. There was plenty of public clamor for Foden to play more minutes, and Barnes believes it's easy to see why.
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"In tight areas he brings a lot of quality," Barnes told BonusCodeBets. "If you look at our three midfielders, they’ll drive forward with a lot of energy but they are not the most creative. That’s what you’re getting from Phil.
"He works hard as well but in tight areas and the final third he can hurt you with a final pass, a shot or a cross. He brings that quality."
That said, Barnes believes the differences between the way Southgate and Pep Guardiola set up their teams means that Foden finds it difficult to replicate his City performances for the national team.
He added: "England don’t play the way City play so he’s not going to be as effective as at Man City but he can be effective enough to make a difference."
Southgate is expected to set his side up with a back five in an attempt to combat France's attacking threat, but it is unclear how Foden will fit into that.
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