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Topics: Gareth Southgate, England, Phil Foden, Manchester City, Pep Guardiola, Fan Reactions
Ryan Smart
Topics: Gareth Southgate, England, Phil Foden, Manchester City, Pep Guardiola, Fan Reactions
England fans are criticising Gareth Southgate after comments made about Manchester City star Phil Foden in a press conference.
Southgate was answering questions about Foden ahead of England's friendly against Scotland tonight - held to mark 150 years since the first encounter between the two rival nations.
The City midfielder came off the bench in England's 1-1 draw against Ukraine on Saturday, and could be in contention to start at Hampden Park.
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But Foden has struggled to nail down a regular spot in the City starting XI since the early months of last season, although did impress Southgate at the World Cup with a goal against Wales and two assists in the last 16 win over Senegal.
He has largely operated on the left side of attack under the Three Lions boss. But many have been calling on Southgate to hand the 23-year-old a more central role in the England side, a role he has played more often at City than on the wing under Pep Guardiola.
Southgate was asked about the possibility of that happening - and his response hasn't gone down well.
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Gareth Southgate criticised for Phil Foden comments
The England boss said: "He doesn't play centrally for his club, so presumably there's a reason for that.
"You'd have to speak with Pep, the best coach in the world, who plays him from wide.
"Obviously in the middle of the park everyone talks about them with the ball, but there's a lot of detail without the ball."
City fans, however, didn't take too kindly to Southgate's comments.
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One wrote: "Why is he presuming? And how come club situation doesn't matter for Maguire, Henderson and Phillips? Get this man out yesterday."
Another said: "Forgot England had De Bruyne."
A third added: "Southgate out, Foden in."
And while there were some that backed Southgate, many England fans were also critical of the Three Lions boss.
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One said: "Benching his best forward? He should be sacked."
Another wrote: "So why didn't he just play Foden LW instead of Maddison who's NEVER played LW? He doesn't make any sense."
A third claimed: "This is the worst take I've ever seen."
A fourth added: "This can't be the manager of the country, I'm sorry."