“Our link up play is good at times” - Phil Foden insists his partnership with ‘exceptional’ England superstar can improve at Euro 2024
Phil Foden has talked up his growing partnership with Jude Bellingham for England at Euro 2024 amid a questionable performance against Serbia. The Three Lions won their Group C opener with a 1-0 victory at Veltins-Arena on Sunday (June 16).
Bellingham, 20, was excellent, bagging the winner with a fierce 13th-minute header. The Real Madrid attacker played as his nation's No.10 with Foden, 24, dropping out to the left wing.
Foden struggled to get a foothold in the game and was outshined by Madrid's La Liga Player of the Year. They have rarely been used together in attack, but the Manchester City star was adamant their link-up was improving (via The Mirror):
"Jude Bellingham is an exceptional talent, carries himself really well. He’s a leader now. I think our link up play is good at times, it’s improving, and can keep getting better. He’s an exciting talent, I enjoy playing with him."
Foden was the Premier League's standout performer last season, rightfully named Player of the Year. He posted 27 goals and 12 assists in 53 games across competitions as the Cityzens won a fourth title in a row.
The 35-cap England international's versatility means he's often not given a starting role in his preferred position. Bellingham was handed the No. 10 role against Serbia and excelled carrying his Madrid form into the Euros.
In his debut season at the Santiago Bernabeu, Bellingham managed 23 goals and 13 assists in 42 games across competitions. Many tips the Birmingham City Academy graduate to be the difference for England in their hopes of trophy success at Euro 2024.
"It has to be" - Jamie Carragher on why Jude Bellingham starts over Phil Foden as England's No.10 at Euro 2024
Jamie Carragher gave his thoughts on the debate regarding which of Phil Foden and Bellingham should be England's No. 10 at Euro 2024. The Liverpool legend reacted to the Three Lions' opening win and felt the latter's winning goal was telling (via The Telegraph):
"There has been a lot of talk about [Jude] Bellingham being deeper to allow [Phil] Foden to play as the [number] 10. England’s opening goal shows why it has to be Bellingham in that role."
Bellingham showed great enthusiasm to throw himself forward, powerfully beat Serbian defenders to the ball and headed home the winner. It was a confident finish from one of Europe's in-form attackers.
Carragher alluded to this:
"He has done that all season at Real Madrid in a team that won La Liga and the Champions League. The bravery to go flying in there with other bodies was a joy to see. You don’t see many headers like that these days, especially from midfielders."
England are next in action against Denmark on Thursday (June 20) in Group C of Euro 2024. It will be interesting to see whether Southgate continues with Foden out left and Bellingham as No. 10.