New Delhi [India], England head coach Gareth Southgate has backed Phil Foden and stated that he is aware that fans want to see the "sexy" side of Foden's game ahead of their clash against Denmark at Euro 2024 in progress.
Foden dazzled defenders and enjoyed a prolific season in front of goal. The 24-year-old scored 19 goals and registered eight assists, helping Manchester City lift their fourth consecutive Premier League title. The Blues became the first team to achieve the feat.
After enjoying a purple spell with the Premier League champions, attention turned to Foden, with fans hoping the youngster would also deliver for the Three Lions.
During the first match of the tournament against Serbia, England recorded a 1-0 victory, but Foden failed to deliver as he did for the Premier League champions.
Ahead of the Denmark clash, Southgate praised Foden for his performance against Serbia.
"I thought Phil did an incredible job for the team on Sunday. You know, sometimes the parts with the ball are obvious and draw attention, but the amount of ground he covered, the pressure angles, the replacement of people who they were further ahead," Southgate said, quoted by Sky Sports.
"I thought without Phil's contribution off the ball, and I know that's not the sexiest thing and everyone wants to see him on the ball, I don't think we'd win the game. So later in the game when we needed someone to help us help, retain the ball and withstand the pressure, I think he did very well for us," he added.
Southgate went on to point out the difference between Foden when he plays for Manchester City and for England. The English coach pointed out familiarity and adaptation as the two factors that lead to different performances in both teams.
"I think Phil has obviously set the bar incredibly high at Manchester City, where he knows exactly where every player will be every time he picks up the ball. With us, we always have to adapt to different teammates. There are different runs they make and there is a adaptation with that," Southgate said.
Foden dazzled defenders and enjoyed a prolific season in front of goal. The 24-year-old scored 19 goals and registered eight assists, helping Manchester City lift their fourth consecutive Premier League title. The Blues became the first team to achieve the feat.
After enjoying a purple spell with the Premier League champions, attention turned to Foden, with fans hoping the youngster would also deliver for the Three Lions.
During the first match of the tournament against Serbia, England recorded a 1-0 victory, but Foden failed to deliver as he did for the Premier League champions.
Ahead of the Denmark clash, Southgate praised Foden for his performance against Serbia.
"I thought Phil did an incredible job for the team on Sunday. You know, sometimes the parts with the ball are obvious and draw attention, but the amount of ground he covered, the pressure angles, the replacement of people who they were further ahead," Southgate said, quoted by Sky Sports.
"I thought without Phil's contribution off the ball, and I know that's not the sexiest thing and everyone wants to see him on the ball, I don't think we'd win the game. So later in the game when we needed someone to help us help, retain the ball and withstand the pressure, I think he did very well for us," he added.
Southgate went on to point out the difference between Foden when he plays for Manchester City and for England. The English coach pointed out familiarity and adaptation as the two factors that lead to different performances in both teams.
"I think Phil has obviously set the bar incredibly high at Manchester City, where he knows exactly where every player will be every time he picks up the ball. With us, we always have to adapt to different teammates. There are different runs they make and there is a adaptation with that," Southgate said.
