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Gareth Southgate explains why Phil Foden didn’t feature in England’s draw vs USA

Miracle O. Nwoke
Miracle O. Nwoke
Manchester City midfielder Phil Foden was overlooked by Gareth Southgate during England’s goalless draw against the USA.

England head coach Gareth Southgate has explained why he left Phil Foden on the bench against the USA on Friday night in the Qatar World Cup.

Southgate decided to work with Mason Mount, Bukayo Saka, Raheem Sterling and Harry Kane upfront but they all struggled against well-organised Americans.

Saka and Sterling were blunt on the wings and some England fans were convinced that Phil Foden would come on and make a huge impression, given his quality.

However, Southgate decided to bring on Jack Grealish and Marcus Rashford and left Foden, who has scored eight goals for Manchester City this season, on the bench and that obviously raised several eyebrows among England fans.

The attacking midfielder came on late in the game during England’s 6-2 win over Iran earlier this week but Southgate has claimed that Phil Foden would have struggled against USA if he came on due to the Americans’ ‘strong midfield’.

He told talkSPORT: “I don’t know how early you think that should be.

“But we decided for Marcus and Jack to change the two wingers [Bukayo Saka and Raheem Sterling].

“I didn’t think it was a game for Phil inside because there was a lot more defensive work, a very strong midfield you’re playing against.

“He doesn’t play there normally, we brought him on as a No.10 the other day, but it’s not a position he plays at his club.

“So there’s a reason for that, without the ball.

“But he’s a super player, we love him.

“We thought Marcus’ speed and Jack’s ability to be able to get hold of the ball and buy fouls and get us up the pitch just at a moment where we needed a bit of control in the game.”

England will face Wales in what would be their last group stage game and they must win the game if they fancy finishing as the winners of Group B.

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