Phil Foden shone in Wembley despite England’s poor performance against Malta.
Manchester City’s star player was the standout in Gareth Southgate’s team’s 6th victory during their European Championship qualification campaign.
Foden’s fans will hope that Foden’s recent performance marks a turnaround in his fortunes after struggling at the international level over the past few months.
We look at how the 23 year old can impress England ahead of tonight’s match with North Macedonia.
Prior struggles
Foden scored five goals for Manchester City and registered four assists in all league competitions this season.
Since the 2022 World Cup, however, his international output has not been as impressive. He only scored one goal for England, in a 3-1 win over Scotland during a friendly match played on September.
But there are certainly mitigating circumstances.
Citizens’ No47 only played in three out of nine matches during that time, but also featured at a number of different positions.
Foden could achieve his full potential with the Three Lions if he can maintain a consistent number of minutes.
A Catching Eye
Foden celebrated his 30th appearance with a stunning display at the weekend.
Enrico Pepe, the Malta defender who was playing on the left of a three-man front line, deflected his attempt to score the opening goal.
Foden’s influence was not diminished by a switch in the second half to an attacking central midfielder role.
The player who played most crucial passes was the one with four completed dribbles.Phil Foden, the Manchester City star who played against Malta as England’s best attacking player
Versatile performer
Southgate, however, believes that Foden can play in many different roles. The debate about Foden’s ideal position is not going away anytime soon.
After the victory in Malta, he stated: “I think he is capable of doing either. He is quite good in wide positions and can provide that connection as No10.
We were short two 10s and have other options at that position. Phil was a great footballer who played a big part in our success tonight.
Foden’s versatility may be the key for him to secure a place in the Three Lions starting lineup. Bukayo is likely to start on the right side.
There’s more to come
Foden is not likely to rest on his laurels following Friday’s performance. He is looking for ways to improve his end-product.
“I’m always looking for more, and I believe I can help this team by adding goals — as well as assists.”
I was part of both goals against Malta. We weren’t the best, but the important thing is that we did the job.
“I am enjoying football at the moment. I express myself and I play really well.” “I need to continue that, to push myself more to get goals and assists.”
Foden will have another chance to add more international goals in tonight’s game against North Macedonia.
When Southgate chooses his Euro 2024 first XI, City’s local hero will be impossible to overlook.
