Foden would be a superstar if he was Spanish or German

Cameron Smith

• Updated: 23 May 2023 08:56 CDT
• 4 min read

With England looking unconvincing against the United States of America in the second group stage game of the 2022 Qatar World Cup, a nationwide groan was felt when Jordan Henderson was turned to by Gareth Southgate with the Three Lions simply needing a goal to qualify for the last-16.

The Liverpool man replaced Jude Bellingham in the 69th minute, while Manchester City star Phil Foden sat waiting in the wings. Cries for the 22-year-old to be substituted on were felt across the nation, but Foden was never looked at by Southgate.

Instead, Mason Mount remained on the pitch for the full 90 minutes, despite having an off-day and stunting several England attacks.

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It was second consecutive game that Foden had started on the bench, and despite a promising late cameo against Iran in England's opening game, he wasn't trusted to play centrally by Southgate, who has publicly stated that due to Foden playing out wide at club level, his chances of starting in a midfield role aren't particularly high.

A bizarre statement given much of Foden's youth was spent in the middle of park, while he has consistently performed well in that role whenever given the chance by Pep Guardiola.

Trusted by arguably the greatest manager of all time in Guardiola, Foden can't get a look in England's midfield, with Southgate preferring the industry of Mount in the middle, while Bukayo Saka and Raheem Sterling are the first-choice options on the flanks.

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Even Jack Grealish and Marcus Rashford appeared off the bench against the USA, while Foden sat watching on the bench. A waste of a once in a generation talent seems to be taking place once more; this script has been seen before with England.

Creative players aren't favoured by England

Glenn Hoddle was one of the greatest players in the world during his playing career, but never managed to make a real mark on the international stage, with England favouring the likes of Ray Wilkins and Peter Reid instead.

And a similar story occurred with Matt Le Tissier, who despite consistently performing for Southampton, only amassed a measly eight caps for England.

Now, Foden started Euro 2020 as England's first-choice right winger but has been surpassed by Saka in that role, meaning space must be made for him in the middle of park if the Three Lions are to seriously challenge for the World Cup this year.

Foden would be a superstar for Spain or Germany

While Foden is struggling for minutes in the England side, fellow youngsters Pedri, Gavi and Jamal Musiala are thriving for Spain and Germany in Group E.

That trio were immense in the 1-1 draw between the two nations, with all three players receiving heaps of praise for their performances so far during the tournament.

Contrast that to Foden, who is yet to see significant action, and the disparity is clear.

Musiala, who chose to represent Germany over England, is a prime example of what England could have with Foden if Southgate were to trust him in the starting XI. If Foden were Spanish or German, he would've been given a starting berth and handed a key role in their respective World Cup campaigns.

Instead, he's struggling to get on the pitch, and England have paid for it. With creativity a note of concern against the USA, Foden is the player Southgate must start moving forwards.