Phil Foden Backs Southgate, Urging Players to Step Up

Phil Foden underscored the collective responsibility of players in shaping team performance. He also expressed empathy for manager Gareth Southgate, acknowledging the pressures he navigated during the tournament. Moreover, Foden emphasized the team’s determination to learn and improve from their experiences, aiming to build on their achievements and address areas for growth in future competitions.

“The players have to take some responsibility,” Foden stated, emphasizing the role of leadership in identifying and addressing on-field issues independently of the manager’s tactics. He sympathized with Southgate, noting that while the manager sets the team strategy, it’s crucial for players to adapt and problem-solve during matches.

Regarding his own form, despite a standout season in the Premier League with Manchester City, Phil Foden admitted to struggling at Euro 2024, yet remains optimistic about contributing more significantly to upcoming matches. He dismissed criticisms about his positional overlap with Jude Bellingham, asserting their compatibility and expressing confidence in their collaboration on the field.

Looking ahead to England’s quarter-final clash with Switzerland, Foden stressed the importance of the team coming together to enhance their collective performance. He emphasized the need to build on recent improvements and rise to the occasion to secure victory in the crucial match of the tournament.