Gareth Southgate's reason for Phil Foden not coming on against USA has baffled fans
Published
| Last updated
Gareth Southgate has revealed why he didn't bring Phil Foden on in England's 0-0 draw with the USMNT.
The Three Lions underwhelmed in their second Group B game, failing to test Matt Turner in the opposition's net.
Southgate made three changes to try and swing the contest in England's favour.
Jordan Henderson, Jack Grealish and Marcus Rashford all came on for Jude Bellingham, Raheem Sterling and Bukayo Saka respectively.
Loading…
Foden remained on the bench despite scoring eight goals for Manchester City in all competitions this season.
The 22-year-old is one of Pep Guardiola's star men, scoring a hat-trick in a 6-3 victory over bitter rivals Manchester United in October.
Southgate was asked about Foden, who came on in the late stages of Monday's 6-2 demolition of Iran, being left on the bench at the Al Rayt Stadium.
He claimed Foden wasn't an option to come on as he doesn't play in the middle for City.
When asked why the two-time PFA Young Player of the Year didn't come on by ITV Sport, Southgate replied: "We thought it was the right thing to keep the same team from the start.
"The wide players, we went with Jack and Marcus ahead of Phil on the changes. We thought Jack would keep the ball well for us and get us up the pitch. Marcus' speed, we thought would also be a threat going into the last part of the game."
Per Miguel Delaney, Southgate later said: "We didn't feel it was right for Phil in the middle because he doesn't play there for his club."
Foden started his career as a central midfielder before moving out wide. Interestingly, he played up front for City last season when they didn't have a recognised striker. In total, he's played 130 career games through the middle.
It's something England supporters online have picked up on.
One person said: "Southgate genuinely doesn't know his own squad."
Another commented: "Is he actually trolling?"
A third tweeted: "Nah they gave the keys of a Bugatti to a bus driver."
While someone put: "He's funny we have to give him that."
England will qualify for the round of 16 as long as they avoid a four-goal defeat in their final group game against Wales on Tuesday.
The USMNT, meanwhile, will qualify if they manage to defeat Iran.
Featured Image Credit: ITV Football and Alamy
Topics: Phil Foden, England, Gareth Southgate, Football World Cup
