Phil Foden England
(Credit: Imago)

Phil Foden: England fans taken aback by what axed star did vs Latvia

Jonathan Burnett
Jonathan Burnett

Phil Foden was given just 23 minutes of action by Thomas Tuchel against Latvia as his chances of a regular England place continue to diminish.

Tuchel made four changes to his Three Lions lineup after their 2-0 win over Albania on Friday, in which Foden was singled out for criticism following an ineffective display on the right of England’s midfield.

Jarrod Bowen started in the 24-year-old’s place against Latvia on Monday at Wembley with Morgan Rogers also coming in to support Harry Kane up front, and the latter in particular was highly impressive.

Foden was given minutes midway through the second half, replacing Bellingham to occupy a more central, at times deeper midfield role, and picked up an assist for Eberechi Eze’s clincher to make it 3-0.

However, the Crystal Palace playmaker’s first senior international goal was a barnstorming solo effort which was eventually deflected past Krisjanis Zviedris, and very little credit for it goes down to Foden.

Phil Foden Manchester City
Credit: Imago

Phil Foden at England crossroads after Latvia axing

Foden’s mere place in Tuchel’s maiden England squad had already come under scrutiny after his exploits for Manchester City, with Pep Guardiola’s side mounting a feeble defence of their Premier League title.

SeasonAppearancesStartsGoalsAssistsMinutes per Goal
2023–2453482713158.4
2024–253828106260.5
Foden has experienced a huge drop-off in form this season

Given the number seven shirt and a start in the German’s first match as Three Lions manager, Foden’s performance against Albania left Tuchel with no choice but to re-jig his front four ahead of facing Latvia.

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Though the reigning PFA Player of the Year’s introduction in the second half at Wembley concided with Harry Kane doubling the lead and Eze netting their third, England fans still weren’t entirely convinced.

England boss Thomas Tuchel on the sidelines during a match
Thomas Tuchel doesn’t see Foden as a first-choice player for England (Getty Images)

England fans in full agreement with ‘Useless’ Phil Foden verdict

Tuchel has had a plethora of attacking talent to choose from against both Albania and Latvia this month, but his decision to introduce Foden over a host of other contenders hasn’t been received kindly.

With Curtis Jones introduced 12 minutes after Foden, Dominic Solanke and Morgan Gibbs-White both being left on the bench entirely, fans weren’t happy that the “useless” City player was given the nod first.

Replacing England’s starting number 10, Jude Bellingham, with Foden was seen as a shrewd decision by some, but that came as a result of a growing acceptance that the pair simply cannot play together.

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