Former Tottenham Hotspur and Liverpool midfielder Jamie Redknapp has named the ‘unique’ Englishman who must play a vital midfield role for Gareth Southgate during this summer’s European Championship.
With the 30-man provisional England squad for this summer’s tournament set to be named today, there are some question marks surrounding the inclusion of certain players, who have perhaps underperformed during the current campaign.
However, one player who hasn’t underperformed this season and played a vital part in helping Manchester City win their fourth Premier League title in a row is Phil Foden.
The midfielder was awarded with the Premier League Player Of The Year award and the 23-year-old has to be key on the international stage for England this summer.
Redknapp on fitting in ‘unique’ Foden
With there being so much quality in the England squad for the European Championships, trying to fit all of the key players in their best positions will be vital for England’s chances this summer.
Speaking on Sky Sports, following City’s romp to their fourth league title in a row, Jamie Redknapp believes that playing Foden in the middle of the park is key.
“He has proven this season, he has to play in midfield,” Redknapp said. “He is unique, we don’t produce players like this in this country: players who can receive the ball on the half turn, tight spaces, weave away from people and shoot from distance.
“It will be a waste of his talent if we decide to play him wide. He has to be on the ball, alongside Jude Bellingham and then you have Declan Rice. You have to get him where he is at his best. If you don’t, it will be a crying shame. Gareth has to play with people like him and give him the opportunity like Pep (Guardiola) has.”
Foden key for England
This season for City in all competitions, Foden has scored 27 goals and provided 11 assists for the Citizens in all competitions and the Premier League’s decision to award the Englishman with the Player Of The Year award was a relatively straightforward one.
Getting the balance in the midfield right for England is vital for Gareth Southgate with the prospect of a midfield three of Declan Rice, Foden and Jude Bellingham certainly an exciting one.
Playing Foden in the middle of the park and not out wide could be the difference for England and Gary Neville agreed with Redknapp’s point and compared playing Foden out wide to when England played Paul Scholes on the left during Euro 2004.
“I do agree with Jamie,” Neville added. “I never thought this when I was playing for England and used to see Paul Scholes going off the left hand side.
“When I look back now it’s a regret that we didn’t get to see the most technically gifted player in his best position. This is, technically, the best English football player and we will regret it if we don’t play him in his best position.”
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