Former Liverpool midfielder John Barnes has sympathised with Phil Foden after the Manchester Metropolis attacker struggled to make an affect throughout England’s Euros opener in opposition to Serbia on Sunday.
The 24-year-old was named within the beginning XI by Gareth Southgate for the group C conflict however struggled to develop into the sport and created only one probability because the Three Lions recorded a 1-0 victory in Gelsenkirchen.
Foden registered 39 aim contributions in 53 appearances for the Sky Blues this time period (throughout all competitions) and was named Premier League Participant of the Season as Metropolis picked up their fourth consecutive league title.
Barnes, who represented Liverpool between 1987-1997, has defined he had related struggles to Foden when he was enjoying for England and struggled to duplicate membership kind with the nationwide aspect.
“It’s like having an out-of-body expertise,” the 60-year-old instructed talKSPORT. “I went by means of one thing very related.
“Sir Bobby Robson used to say to me, ‘We wish you to play for England the best way you play for Liverpool’.
“You already know what I stated to him? ‘If England performed the best way Liverpool do, then I might’.
“It’s the identical for Foden. Whether or not you set Foden on the left, the center or the proper, except England are going to play like Man Metropolis, nothing will change.
“The left-back for Man Metropolis is Josko Gvardiol. He’s not a left-footer. The way in which Man Metropolis play fits him.
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“It doesn’t matter about utilizing him, Anthony Gordon, Cole Palmer… except England play the best way their golf equipment play, it doesn’t matter. You’ll by no means get the most effective out of them.”
Barnes continued: “If Jude Bellingham goes to be the No.10, the playmaker on the ball on a regular basis, all Foden will likely be is a bit-part participant. Work exhausting, defend, give the ball to Bellingham.
“Subsequently, what’s he doing there? It doesn’t matter what place he performs. The soccer, the ways, the template of how they play, the best way they transfer the ball… except it’s going to be like Man Metropolis, you’ll by no means see the most effective of Foden.”
England dominated the ball in opposition to Serbia however struggled to get Foden on the ball as he recorded only one contact within the opposition field all sport.
He’s handiest when given considerably of a free function which permits him to drift within the pockets and decide up positions throughout the pitch however he was caught out on the left flank in opposition to Serbia and was very a lot remoted.
It’s fascinating to listen to what Barnes has needed to say in regards to the matter and it stays to be seen whether or not the Metropolis ace will retain his spot within the beginning XI when England face Denmark on Thursday.
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