Gareth Southgate explains why he didn't bring on Phil Foden in England draw with USA

Gareth Southgate has explained his tactical decisions - including snubbing Phil Foden - in England's 0-0 bore draw with the USA.

England entered their second game at the 2022 World Cup on a high after their 6-2 win over Iran on Monday. But they were unable to break down the States and were second best for large periods of the game in Qatar.

Southgate attempted to change the game by introducing three players in the second half, introducing Jack Grealish, Jordan Henderson and Marcus Rashford to the fray. But Phil Foden was left on the bench in a decision which caused plenty of debate and was questioned by Gary Neville on ITV Sport.

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Asked by ITV about his decisions at full-time, Southgate said: "Well we thought it was the right thing to keep the team from the start and then the wide players, we went with Jack and Marcus ahead of Phil on the changes.

"We thought Jack would keep the ball for us and take us up the pitch and we thought Marcus's speed, we thought, would also be a threat going into that last part of the game."

Addressing what was missing in attack, he said: "I think a little bit of zip. We didn't quite have that same zip but that's going to happen, this is tournament football."

AL KHOR, QATAR - NOVEMBER 25: Phil Foden of England reacts in the dugout prior to the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Group B match between England and USA at Al Bayt Stadium on November 25, 2022 in Al Khor, Qatar. (Photo by Ryan Pierse/Getty Images) (Ryan Pierse/Getty Images)

Speaking after the game, Gary Neville re-iterated his frustration that Southgate did not call on Foden or Liverpool right-back Trent Alexander-Arnold.

Neville said: "I’m torn because I’ve go ta lot of respect for Gareth and what he’s achieved - he’s achieved the most since Alf Ramsey. But we’ve got a couple of talents sat on the bench in the form of Trent Alexander-Arnold and Foden who are capable of opening up the game.

"Alexander-Arnold has some of the best deliveries you’ll ever see from full-back and on that right side when Rashford came on, he had Henderson and Trippier so he was blocked from getting that delivery in. I think those two coming off the bench is a little bit disappointing, if you’re trying to win the game they’re world class talents."