Cesc Fabregas explains what Phil Foden must do to put himself in the same bracket as Andres Iniesta and Xavi
Former Spain international Cesc Fabregas has urged England's Phil Foden to take more responsibility with the Three Lions if he wishes to be put in the same bracket as midfield legends Xavi and Andres Iniesta. He highlighted that the Manchester City star was underwhelming in England's 1-0 Euro 2024 win over Serbia and was put under a lot of pressure.
Speaking on BBC, Fabregas stated that Foden and Co. have the quality to hold the ball anywhere on the pitch, but they couldn't do so against Serbia. He said:
"You can't tell me that players like Trent [Alexander-Arnold], Foden, Bellingham or [Declan] Rice don't have the quality to hold the ball up anywhere on the pitch, but it's about if you want it enough. Do you want to hold up the ball? Do you want to make things happen? Do you enjoy getting the ball under pressure?
"When England played the best football is when Serbia allowed them to have the ball, but in the second half when they started to get pressed a little bit more we started to see Foden hitting the ball 40 yards without looking – it's not like them."
He added:
"You'd never see Xavi or Andres Iniesta – the top, top, top players of the last 15 or 20 years – do that. No, you need to take the responsibility. I did think that the second half was a bit underwhelming and I think that players like Foden need to step up. It's the time for player like them to grow in a big tournament with a country behind them and take responsibility."
England held on to their 1-0 lead after Jude Bellingham headed home in the 13th minute. They next face Denmark on Thursday (June 20) before taking on Slovenia in their final group game of Euro 2024.
Micah Richards wants Phil Foden to be more involved for England
Former Manchester City defender Micah Richards pointed out that Phil Foden wasn't involved enough in England's build-up plays against Serbia. He believes it's important for England to get the best out of Foden. Richards said on BBC:
"The big talking point for me tonight was Phil Foden. I think the first 20 minutes he got into some really good positions. We need to find a way to get the best out of him."
Phil Foden has managed just four goals for England in 35 appearances. He scored 27 goals and assisted 12 times in 53 matches for Manchester City in all competitions during the 2023/24 season.