England manager Gareth Southgate is a ‘great coach’, Phil Foden insists

Southgate’s selection and tactics have been scrutinised in the opening two games of Euro 2020.

Mark Mann-Bryans
Sunday 20 June 2021 14:35 EDT
Euro 2020: Daily briefing

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Phil Foden has told critics of Gareth Southgate that they are clueless as he hailed the England manager as a “great coach”.

Southgate’s selection and tactics have been scrutinised in the opening two games of Euro 2020, especially following Friday’s disappointing goalless draw at home to Scotland.

The Three Lions have been shot-shy, registering just three efforts on target across their two fixtures – including Raheem Sterling’s winner against Croatia

Despite the underwhelming start to the finals leading to criticism of Southgate, Foden has no time for those questioning the England boss.

“He is a great coach – working with him every day you get to see what he is like,” the Manchester City winger told talkSPORT. “He always has the players’ backs and I believe that his tactics are great so all these negative people don’t know what they are talking about because Gareth is a great coach.

“I believe in my team-mates. I see us every day in training and how much the creative players create chances. I just feel like it is going to come in the next game and we are going to create more so I don’t see it as a concern at all.”

All these negative people don't know what they are talking about because Gareth is a great coach

Phil Foden

Foden enjoyed a fine campaign at City, scoring 16 goals and winning the Premier League and Carabao Cup as well as being named the young player of the season.

He has so far been unable to carry that form into the Euros but he rejected claims he is struggling to adapt between club and country tactics.

“We don’t play a massively different sort of way, it is a similar formation so I think I am doing alright,” he said.

“Obviously I can still do better but I believe I can just play for England like I play for my club so why not?

“I just want to try and be the best version of me. Try and bring my club form into the national team, I am still looking to improve my game for England and hopefully in the next game I can show what I can do.”

Foden caught the eye ahead of the tournament when he arrived at St George’s Park with a new look, having dyed his hair blond.

He has since topped up his new colour and revealed he has the rest of the England squad down for a similar style if they go all the way this summer.

“Do you know what, I told the team that if we win it they have to get the same haircut as me and they all agreed,” he added.

“Hopefully if we win it you will see everyone with the same haircut, I think Romania did it so I would make everyone get the same haircut, which would be funny.”

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in