"You have to build the England team around him" - Rooney snubs Jude Bellingham as he names Three Lions' most important star ahead of Euro 2024
Wayne Rooney has told Gareth Southgate to make Phil Foden England's architect at Euro 2024 rather than Jude Bellingham. The attacking duo are two of the Three Lions' exciting talents, and many expect them to be crucial for Southgate.
Rooney spoke after watching the tournament's favorites fall to a shock 1-0 friendly loss against Iceland on Friday (June 7). The Manchester United icon told Channel 4:
"Jude Bellingham is great, but when you have a player like Phil Foden in the middle, you have to build the England team around him."
Foden, 24, was named the Premier League Player of the Year after a stunning run of performances. The Manchester City star bagged 27 goals and 12 assists in 53 games across competitions.
The Cityzens attacker enjoyed the best season of his career, and many feel he should be England's No.10 at Euro 2024. That would come at the expense of Bellingham, who may drop back into midfield.
Bellingham, 20, enjoyed a remarkable debut season at Real Madrid, where he took La Liga by storm. He won the Spanish top-flight's Player of the Season award after hitting 23 goals and 13 assists in 42 games across competitions.
The Three Lions kick off their Euro 2024 campaign in Group C where they face Serbia (June 16), Denmark (June 20) and Slovenia (June 25). All eyes will be on Southgate's decision over Foden and Bellingham.
"There is this freedom" - England boss Southgate has hinted at his plan for Phil Foden at Euro 2024
Southgate appears willing to give Foden freedom when using the City midfielder at Euro 2024. The England boss alluded to his ever-changing position at the Etihad (via GOAL):
"The key with Phil [Foden] is where he ends up, not his starting position. He’s been allowed to drift for Manchester City. It’s where these players arrive and where they are allowed to drift to. We never pin these forwards to the touchline. There is this freedom. He has stepped up in big games, you want him in those central areas."
Pep Guardiola got the best out of Foden by playing him in several positions. He was used on both wings in attacking midfield and in a false nine role throughout the 2023-24 campaign.
Foden's versatility will benefit England, as they have so many attacking options besides him and Bellingham. Cole Palmer, Eberechi Eze, and Cole Palmer will also be on the plane to Germany.