Man City news: Pundit on Phil Foden potentially being axed – ‘he’s the one’
Man City sensation Phil Foden is well placed to avoid the axe for England’s next match after his matchwinning display against Wales.
That is according to ex-Leeds striker Noel Whelan, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, who says the 22-year-old will be “needed” in the latter stages of the competition with Southgate set for a selection dilemma in the attacking areas.
Foden scored during his first-ever World Cup start as English dispatched Wales 3-0 to qualify for the knockout stage as Group B winners on Tuesday (29 November).
Three Lions boss Gareth Southgate faced public clamour to include the midfield sensation after Friday’s (25 November) dour 0-0 draw with the USA.
Foden, who recently signed a fresh five-year contract at Man City, has already scored eight goals and contributed three assists in 20 club appearances this season.
He is just the latest England wide man to get on the scoresheet – with Raheem Sterling, Bukayo Saka, Jack Grealish, and Marcus Rashford all among the goals.
Whelan told Football Insider’s Ewan Kingsbury: “The Wales game was a perfect opportunity to put Foden in.
“He is the one player who was going to unlock defences, especially as Wales started to push players forward to try and get a result.
“We’re going to need him in the knockout stage, and he needed a game.
“Everyone knows the quality he has and he’s shown that with Man City so far this season, he’s having the best season of his career so far.
“No one can question the job that Sterling or Saka have done so far but giving them that rest was exactly what Southgate should have done.”
In other news, Gabby Agbonlahor tells Jack Grealish to “forget” Man City amid “devastating” reveal.