“He is a disgrace”, “Shameless player” - Fans react after observing Phil Foden moments before Bukayo Saka's goal in Euro 2024 quarter-final
Fans on X have blasted England's Phil Foden after he appeared to ask Bukayo Saka for the ball before the latter brilliantly scored to get his side back into the game. The Three Lions went on to defeat Switzerland 5-3 on penalties in their Euro 2024 quarter-final fixture after the game ended 1-1 in normal and extra time (July 6).
England's struggles at Euro 2024 continued as they failed to get to grips during their QF tie at the Merkur Spiel-Arena. Breel Embolo gave Switzerland the lead in the 75th minute after he finished past Jordan Pickford with ease.
Gareth Southgate and Co. admirably fought back five minutes later when Bukayo Saka received the ball from Declan Rice. The Arsenal star brilliantly dribbled past Michel Aebischer and Steven Zuber before unleashing a powerful shot that struck the inside of the far post before finding the back of the net.
However, their leveler could have been voided had Saka passed the ball to Foden, who appeared to be demanding the ball before he took the shot.
While England went on to flawlessly win 5-3 on penalties after extra time, many fans were unhappy with Foden's attempt to receive the ball. One fan posted:
"He is a disgrace"
Another fan wrote:
"Foden shameless player. Without Pep he’s a West Ham player"
Other reactions can be seen below:
"Look at Foden trying to ask for the ball. You ain’t that guy pal. #EURO2024," one fan tweeted
"See Foden’s arrogance," another added
"Nah this brother needs to be dropped immediately," one fan insisted
"Fairs what a pic," one posted
"First the Bellingham vid now this ffs when will this guy find shame," one fan questioned Foden
"Saka had to show lil bro how to do it," another typed
Comparing how Bukayo Saka and Phil Foden performed during England's Euro 2024 QF win against Switzerland
England narrowly booked their spot in the final four of Euro 2024 for the second time in as many tournaments following their win against Switzerland. However, Phil Foden received a lot of fan criticism for his role prior to Bukayo Saka's leveler so let's take a look at their stats to see how both stars fared.
Bukayo Saka was England's highest-rated player on the pitch (8.4 as per FotMob) as he scored the equalizer before scoring during the penalty shootout as well. He also created two chances, completed all four of his dribbles, and won 10 duels.
In contrast, Phil Foden's disappointing Euro 2024 campaign continued as he failed to get on the scoresheet once again. The City superstar was given a rating of 7.4 but lost the ball 19 times, landed zero shots on target, and created just one chance.
Both Saka and Foden will be aiming to make the starting XI during the semi-final where England will face the winner of Netherlands vs Turkey on Wednesday, July 10.