Gareth Southgate has come under fire from Anton Ferdinand for his recent remarks regarding Manchester City forward Phil Foden.
The 53-year-old was quoted by the Telegraph as saying that the treble-winner’s infrequent midfield appearances for City were a major factor in why he was not used in his natural position at the international level.
Anton Ferdinand criticized Gareth Southgate for his evaluation of Phil Foden and his performance for England in a video posted on FIVE’s official YouTube page.
Gareth Southgate is criticized by Anton Ferdinand for Phil Foden’s remarks.
Rio Ferdinand referred to the 23-year-old as “unreal,” but he has excelled in a more important role this season without Kevin De Bruyne.
Walker is positioned wide to allow Foden, who is listed as starting on the right wing, to creep inside and perform his greatest work.
Anton Ferdinand was upset by Gareth Southgate’s remarks because he appeared dismissive of the idea of Phil Foden playing in midfield for England.
“And the remarks regarding Foden…He doesn’t play there for his club because he doesn’t play in center midfield. Does he not notice that Kevin De Bruyne, one of the best players to ever play in the Premier League, is in front of him?
“Foden has magic in him. He is capable of doing anything. He fits the bill. Ferdinand questioned, “How will we know if he doesn’t play him there?
Phil Foden ought to join the England squad.
Anton Ferdinand has nailed it when he says that Phil Foden has not only faced competition from Kevin De Bruyne over the years, but also from other midfield mainstays like David Silva, Ilkay Gundogan, and Bernardo Silva, which Gareth Southgate should acknowledge.
Comparing the two scenarios would be outrageous because the degree of competition in the center of the park is not the same as that in the city.
The Three Lions lack a creative midfielder other than Jude Bellingham, and despite Jude Bellingham’s brilliance, Phil Foden is significantly more technically sound and at ease in a variety of phases.
Foden would give his country instant control over games while also being a threat in the last third, a profile the English haven’t had in years, which makes Southgate’s remarks all the more puzzling.