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Issued: 20/06/2021 – 21:34 Modified: 20/06/2021 – 21:33
London (AFP)
Phil Foden has defended Gareth Southgate after the England manager came under fire for his team’s meteoric debut at Euro 2020.
Southgate’s caps and tactics have come under fire in some quarters after England have only scored once in their first two games.
Friday’s 0-0 draw against former Scottish rivals at Wembley ended with England booed by their frustrated fans.
The Three Lions only managed three shots on target, suggesting Southgate has failed to make the most of the talent at its disposal.
Despite their slow start, England enter Tuesday’s game against the Czech Republic knowing that a victory will allow them to take first place in Group D.
And Manchester City striker Foden is adamant Southgate has no reason to listen to skeptics.
“He’s a great trainer. By working with him every day you can see what he looks like,” Foden told talkSPORT.
“He’s always got the back of the players and I think his tactics are great so all these negative people don’t know what they’re talking about because Gareth is a great coach.
“I believe in my teammates. I see us in training every day and how creative players create opportunities.
“I just feel like it’s going to happen in the next game and we’re going to create more, so I don’t see it as a concern at all.”
Foden has enjoyed a strong campaign at City, scoring 16 goals and winning the Premier League and the League Cup, while also being named Young Player of the Season.
The 21-year-old has so far not been able to wear this form in Euros, but he has dismissed claims he would struggle to adjust to Southgate’s favorite formation.
“We don’t play in a very different way, it’s a similar formation, so I think I’m fine,” he said.
“Obviously I can still do better, but I think I can just play for England like I play for my club.”
Foden has sported a bleached blonde haircut since arriving for England’s pre-tournament friendlies, drawing comparisons to England legend Paul Gascoigne’s appearance at Euro 96.
Now Foden has persuaded the rest of the England squad to copy his eye-catching look if they win the tournament.
“Do you know what, I told the team if we win they have to get the same haircut as me and they all agreed,” Foden said.
“I hope if we win it you will see everyone with the same hairstyle. I think Romania did it (at the 1998 World Cup) so I will make sure everyone has the same hairstyle. same haircut, which would be funny. “
AFP 2021
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