“Wasting one of the best players,” “Tired of the bias” – England fans angered by Gareth Southgate refusing to involve one player during FIFA World Cup draw with USA
England fans are not pleased with the Three Lions' goalless draw against the USA in their 2022 FIFA World Cup clash at the Al Bayt Stadium. While they are understandably unhappy at the team's poor efforts in attack, Gareth Southgate's decision to keep Phil Foden on the bench has further angered them.
Taking to Twitter to discuss the frustrating draw, England supporters aired their grievances about Foden's low playing minutes in the ongoing FIFA World Cup. The 22-year-old Manchester City star came off the bench in their first clash against Iran to play just 19 minutes. Against USA, he didn't get a chance to play at all.
Here is a selection of tweets from angry fans who were expecting the youngster to start games for the Three Lions:
Can't believe Foden isn't on. Wasting one of the best players we have
Phil Foden watching Mason Mount playing instead of him https://t.co/TJTxU3GtGy
No one in this England starting 11 has the technical ability of Foden and Grealish and it shows. Horrible football honestly
Southgate restricting the most talented English player of this generation
I am tired of the bias https://t.co/3YQzFQ4lhK
How is Foden not on the pitch? Southgate once again showing that he’s out of his depth.
Foden must’ve invited go go girls to da hotel again
Foden needs to jump on a flight home tonight to make a point. Southgate gotta go.
No Foden is WILD.
Do you ever deep how mad it is arguably the greatest ever manager picks Foden every week but this ex Middlesborough chancer doesn’t pick him, the audacity
Foden will hope he can impress Gareth Southgate in training ahead of their final group stage clash against Wales on 29 November. The Three Lions are seen as among the favorites to go far in the FIFA World Cup. Fans seem to be hoping that Foden can aid their progression into the knockout stages.
2022 FIFA World Cup: England 0-0 USA
The Three Lions and their long-time rivals from across the pond were forced to share the spoils in a frustrating draw that ended without goals. England found the first big chance of the game in the first 10 minutes, with Bukayo Saka finding Harry Kane inside the area. However, the Tottenham Hotspur forward's effort was blocked and eventually yielded nothing.
From that point on, the European outfit had slightly more possession, but they had to be at their defensive best to hold off the USMNT, who were ruthless in attack. Soon enough, the Americans hit the crossbar through Chelsea forward Christian Pulisic, but like Kane's earlier effort, nothing more could come of it.
England's biggest chance came right at the end of the first half, with Luke Shaw finding Saka in the six-yard box. However, the Arsenal man could not keep his effort low and on target, leaving England still in the search for the opener.
They would continue seeking that one elusive goal through much of the second half, with the USMNT threatening them in attacking areas as well. Both sides will rue their wayward efforts, with only two shots being on target out of the 18 shots that were taken in total.
Though England had greater possession in the match (55 to 45), it was USA who managed more shots on goal (10 to eight). The USMNT also earned more corner kicks (seven to three) in the match. Still, it was honors even at the end of the day in this FIFA World Cup contest.