Foden said that the players need to shoulder some of the blame for England’s below-par performances
England’s Phil Foden has expressed sympathy for manager Gareth Southgate, who has faced heavy criticism during Euro 2024. Foden emphasized that the players need to shoulder some of the blame for England’s below-par performances in the tournament.
England have struggled in their four games in Germany, with Jude Bellingham’s bicycle kick and Harry Kane’s header in extra time against Slovakia saving them from an early exit in the round of 16.
Foden shared his thoughts on the criticism Southgate has faced and particularly on the team’s tendency to sit back rather than press.
“The players have got to take some of the blame,” Foden told British media. “There has to be some leaders to get together and find out a solution to why it is not working. There is only so much the manager can do. He sets you up in a system and tells you how to press. If it is not going like that, you have to (work it out).”
Foden, who bagged the Premier League’s Player of the Season award, has not fired in Germany. “I’ve not been the best player in the Premier League to come here and not show it,” he said.
England will face Switzerland in the quarter-finals on Saturday.
UEFA EURO 2024 Quarter-Final Fixtures
All kick-off times CEST
Friday, 5 July
- Spain vs Germany (Stuttgart, 18:00)
- Portugal vs France (Hamburg, 21:00)
Saturday, 6 July
- England vs Switzerland (Dusseldorf, 18:00)
- Netherlands vs Türkiye (Berlin, 21:00)