Phil Foden was an unused sub in England’s dull draw with the USA
(Picture: Getty Images)Gareth Southgate has explained his decision to leave Phil Foden on the bench during England’s draw with the USA.
The Three Lions boss understandably opted for the same side that thrashed Iran in their opening World Cup match, meaning Foden once again had to settle for a place among the substitutions.
However, unlike against Iran when the Manchester City star was introduced for the final 19 minutes, Southgate did not call on the 22-year-old, despite England searching for a goal in the closing stages.
Marcus Rashford, Jack Grealish and Jordan Henderson were the three players brought on in the second-half, though it had little impact on what was a poor display as England failed to seal a last-16 spot with a match to spare.
“We thought it was the right thing to keep the team from the start,” Southgate told ITV.
“And then the wide players we went with Jack and Marcus instead of Phil on the changes. We thought that Jack would keep the ball well for us and get us up the pitch.
“Marcus’ speed we thought would also be a threat coming into that last part of the game.”
The decision not to bring on Foden attracted a lot of attention on social media and from pundits after the match, with many feeling he could have been the creative spark England were sorely lacking.
Gary Neville was one of those frustrated that Foden did not get his chance, believing England are missing out by not involving him and Trent Alexander-Arnold, who has not played a minute in either match.
“I was disappointed not to see Foden,” Neville said.
“For me that talent is huge - I’ve not seen anything like that. I know we’ve got Bellingham, we’ve got Grealish, we’ve got others, and Gareth prefers Mount, Saka and Sterling at the moment.
“But for me for Foden not to be in the starting XI, and to not come off the bench is interesting.”
He added: “We’ve got a couple of talents there sat on the bench in Trent Alexander-Arnold and Foden - Alexander-Arnold has some of the best deliveries you’ll ever see from a full-back.
“Those two not coming off the bench was a little bit disappointing. If you’re going to try and win the game, they’re world-class talents.”
