After a shaky start to England’s European Championship campaign that saw critics question his starting position, Phil Foden insists his partnership with Jude Bellingham is set for further development.
Foden was a headliner in the Premier League last season, scoring 27 goals in all competitions for Manchester City, earning him the Premier League Footballer of the Year award.
However, in England’s 1-0 win over Serbia, he was taken out of the game after lining up on the left of the striker as Foden took up the central number 10 spot.
“Jude is clearly a huge talent,” Foden said in a Football Association video.
“He’s a leader now. I think he’s turning into a leader. I think our link-up play is good at times, it’s improving and I think it can continue to get better. So he’s an exciting talent and I enjoy playing with him. . “
While some called Sunday’s performance a poor performance for Foden, some pundits criticized it.
Former England striker Ian Wright told the BBC: “I don’t think Phil Foden played well. He didn’t play well.” “People talk about Foden and his position. I understand how good he is as a footballer, but he didn’t play.
“We can’t always blame the system. He has to make it happen himself and demand credit.”
Former Spain midfielder Cesc Fabregas said players of Foden’s talent have the quality to get the ball anywhere on the pitch.
“It’s about do you want it enough to make a difference and get the ball for the team. Do you want to make things happen? Do you like getting the ball under pressure?” Fabregas said. “I think players like Foden need to step up.”
Foden, who City coach Pep Guardiola described as ‘the most talented player’ he had ever seen, struggled in his European Championship debut three years ago and was left out of the team after the opening two games in England.
The 24-year-old’s performance at the 2022 World Cup was a completely different story. His first appearance came as a substitute in the 71st minute against Iran. He then scored in England’s 3–0 win over Wales and assisted goals by Harry Kane and Bukayo Saka in England’s 3–0 win over Senegal in the round of 16.
“I think the first game of a major tournament is always the most difficult,” Foden said of Serbia’s win, in which England were almost scrapped in the second half. “Obviously we had to defend and dig deep at times.
“But I think it shows a different side to us, and I think we have to do that if we want to win something.”
England, top of Group C, faces Denmark in Frankfurt on Thursday and closes the group stage against Slovenia on June 25.
