Former UK Manager Condemns Southgate Strategy To Limit Foden

Phil Foden appeared below the standard when England met Serbia (Instagram/@philfoden).

JAKARTA - Sam Allardyce, the former UK manager, criticized Gareth Southgate's tactic that limited Phil Foden's movement.

As a result, Foden was criticized in the first match of Euro 2024 against Serbia. Even though England won 1-0, Foden failed to meet the high standards as usual.

Allardyce considers changes to be made to accommodate Foden's talent.

"I love watching Phil Foden. I've watched him a lot at Manchester City. I really believe his role is limited against Serbia."

"He didn't do what he did for City, started from the left and appeared in the middle, twisted his position. It seemed, he was made wide on the left side."

"When you see him in his best form, he has the ball and can beat as many players as he wants."

"He played with freedom in City, but it looks like he can't find him in England," Allardyce said while speaking on the No Tippy Tappy Football podcast.

Allardyce then explained that he would change the composition of England's midfield if he still leads The Three Lions.

The 69-year-old coach gave an example of removing Trent Alexander-Arnold from three midfields and playing Foden and Bellingham with Declan Rice instead.

"He's better off playing in the middle position than on the left. He can play on the left, but what he's doing from midfield for City this season is incredible. So, that's where I want to see him."

"Foden and Jude Bellingham can complement each other if they play in the middle together. I chose Declan Rice as the only defensive midfielder because that's my favorite system."

"Foden and Bellingham can share the burden, when one player strikes, the other is behind," said Allardyce again.

Allardyce had occupied a hot chair when he took over from the post of England boss in 2016. However, his tenure did not last long because he was fired controversially.

Allardyce has only served as UK Manager for 67 days. However, he remains the only Three Lions boss to have a 100 percent winning record. You see, he only led England in one game in a 1-0 win over Slovakia.

Meanwhile, Southgate will make a tactical decision ahead of England's second match in Group C against Denmark on Thursday, June 20, 2024, over Foden's contribution.

One thing that is clear is that the left-back who played behind the left-wing position, which Foden last occupied, was not Luke Shaw.

Southgate revealed in a press conference that the Manchester United defender is still injured and will miss the match against Denmark.