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0 England star Phil Foden has expressed sympathy for manager Gareth Southgate, asserting that it’s unfair to lay all the blame on him for the Three Lions’ lackluster performances in Euro 2024.
Despite advancing to the quarter-finals, England’s displays have been less convincing than expected, drawing criticism and raising questions about team selection and tactics.
Foden believes the players must shoulder responsibility for the team’s struggles.
“The players have got to take some of the blame,” said Foden. “There has to be some leaders to get together and find out a solution to why it is not working. There is only so much the manager can do. He sets you up in a system and tells you how to press. If it is not going like that, you have to [work it out].”
Southgate’s side managed to top their group and secured a victory over Slovakia after extra time in the last 16.
Phil Foden: “I have shown this season for #ManCity that I have moved more centrally and the goals have gone up and I have influenced more games. I have always been honest about my position and I have always seen myself as playing midfield.” pic.twitter.com/aFrgQhrGXH
— City Report (@cityreport_) July 3, 2024
However, the team’s overall performance has been scrutinized, with many pointing to ineffective strategies and questionable player choices.
Discussing the pressure on Southgate ahead of Saturday’s quarter-final clash against Switzerland, Foden said, “I feel sorry for Gareth. In training, he has been telling us to press and be high up on the pitch and I feel like sometimes, it has to come from the players. We have to be leaders.
Bellingham and Kane power England to Euro 2024 quarters
“In games, we could have got together a little bit more and worked out a solution. So yes, we have spoken about it more. If it happens again in a game, we can get together and find a solution, see where it is going wrong, and adapt our press.”
Phile Foden and teammates aim for a stronger performance against Switzerland
After falling short in the previous edition’s final against Italy, England aim to redeem themselves this time around.
To do so, they’ll need to deliver more consistent and dynamic performances as they prepare to face Switzerland in the quarter-finals.
The post Phil Foden: I feel sorry for Gareth Southgate first appeared on 3News.
