Kalvin Phillips believes Phil Foden is most effective in the number 10 role and is chomping at the bit to get more minutes for England at the World Cup.
The Manchester City hero did not feature in Friday’s goalless draw with the United States, with many questioning why Gareth Southgate refrained from utilising him to find a breakthrough. Foden came on 20 minutes from the end in England’s 6-2 win over Iran but is eager to get a proper chance to showcase himself on the world stage, according to Phillips.
He believes his City teammate operates best supporting the attack in the centre of the park, rather than on the flank where he normally plays for the Blues. The 22-year-old played deeper during the 3-1 Champions League win over Sevilla earlier this month but has only played an attacking midfielder 12 times in the past three seasons.
READ MORE: Wayne Rooney questions Gareth Southgate over Phil Foden snub
Foden came through the youth ranks as a number 10, helping England Under-17s to 2017 World Cup glory in that position. Phillips, who is yet to feature for the Three Lions in Qatar having not long come back from a long-term shoulder injury, says playing Foden in a central role would allow him to play his best football.
Speaking to ITV, the City summer signing said: “I think Phil can offer a lot of things. Obviously he’s an unbelievable talent, unbelievable technically and he works hard. But for me, his best role is probably as a number 10.
“I think in that role where he can float about, get on the ball and do whatever he wants to do and you see him when he takes it past people, you’ve seen the assists and the goals he’s got this year. He’s a real threat.”
He added: “I think when he’s given the chance he will shine and he’s just waiting for that chance. He knows it’s going to be difficult obviously to get in the team after we’ve played so well. He’s just waiting for the right moment and once that comes I think he’ll kick on and start flying.”
READ NEXT:
