"Literally done nothing this tournament" - England fans question 24-year-old star's inclusion in XI for Euro 2024 S/F against Netherlands
England fans questioned head coach Gareth Southgate's decision to include Phil Foden in their EURO 2024 semi-final clash against the Netherlands on July 10. The 24-year-old hasn't had the best form at the tournament so far, although he has appeared in every game for the Three Lions.
Foden has managed to go the entire tournament without a goal or an assist for his country. The Three Lions, as a whole, also happen to be struggling with finding goals and creating chances. They have scored a total of five goals in their five games, with two coming against Slovakia in the Round of 16.
It has been a source of worry for the fans. They are concerned that they have so much firepower in the squad, but the Three Lions seem unable to dominate games. Captain Harry Kane ended the previous season as Bundesliga and Europe's top-five leagues' highest goalscorer with 36 goals. Jude Bellingham won the La Liga, UEFA Champions League and Supercopa de Espana with Real Madrid.
Both players have impacted the game for England at times, reducing the ire from the fans. However, Phil Foden, who was Manchester City's most exciting player last season, has been frustrating for the fans.
They weren't happy to see him included in the starting lineup against the Netherlands in the EURO 2024 final, which they made clear on X:
"Still Foden, really? Get the lad off the pitch. He's literally done nothing this tournament. Nothing," one fan wrote.
"Foden on the wing again ffs," another complained.
"Why is he persisting with Foden?" a fan questioned Gareth Southgate.
"Foden getting picked ahead of Palmer is criminal. Nonetheless. Come on England," a fan tried to remain optimistic.
"God please stop starting Foden and Trippier. Stop letting them on the field in general," a fan cried.
Others added:
Former England player defends Phil Foden's performances in EURO 2024
Former England player Micah Richards has spoken about players who have been criticized at EURO 2024, like Phil Foden and Harry Kane. The pundit does not think the fault is down to them, but rather, to Gareth Southgate's tactics, as he explained (via BBC):
"I know they can both play much better than they have done so far in Germany, but I would say the reason they have not been at their best is a tactical issue rather being down to the players themselves."
Regarding calls to drop Phil Foden, he made it clear that it would not happen:
"As for dropping them? Absolutely no chance. Foden is still the England player who can open up a defence with a pass, or score a goal, if you give him the right role."
Foden will be hoping he can meet expectations when they face off against the Netherlands in the semi-final of EURO 2024.