England fans are expressing criticism towards Gareth Southgate following comments he made about Manchester City star Phil Foden during a press conference.
Southgate was addressing questions about Foden in preparation for England’s friendly against Scotland, a match arranged to commemorate 150 years since the first meeting between the two rival nations.
The City midfielder made a substitute appearance in England’s 1-1 draw against Ukraine on Saturday and could be considered for a starting role at Hampden Park.
However, Foden has encountered challenges in securing a consistent spot in Manchester City’s starting lineup since the early months of the previous season. Nonetheless, he did leave a positive impression on Southgate during the World Cup, contributing a goal against Wales and two assists in the Round of 16 victory over Senegal.
He has largely operated on the left side of attack under the Three Lions boss. But many have been calling on Southgate to hand the 23-year-old a more central role in the England side, a role he has played more often at City than on the wing under Pep Guardiola.
Southgate was asked about the possibility of that happening – and his response hasn’t gone down well.
Gareth Southgate criticised for Phil Foden comments
The England bosssaid: “He doesn’t play centrally for his club, so presumably there’s a reason for that.
“You’d have to speak with Pep, the best coach in the world, who plays him from wide.
“Obviously in the middle of the park everyone talks about them with the ball, but there’s a lot of detail without the ball.”
🗣️ “Well, he doesn’t for his club, so presumably there’s a reason for that.”
Gareth Southgate has questioned Phil Foden’s desire to play in central midfield 👀 pic.twitter.com/IdLbj1F5o1
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) September 12, 2023
City fans, however, didn’t take too kindly to Southgate’s comments.
One wrote: “Why is he presuming? And how come club situation doesn’t matter for Maguire, Henderson and Phillips? Get this man out yesterday.”
Another said: “Forgot England had De Bruyne.”
A third added: “Southgate out, Foden in.”
And while there were some that backed Southgate, many England fans were also critical of the Three Lions boss.
One said: “Benching his best forward? He should be sacked.”
Another wrote: “So why didn’t he just play Foden LW instead of Maddison who’s NEVER played LW? He doesn’t make any sense.”
A third claimed: “This is the worst take I’ve ever seen.”
A fourth added: “This can’t be the manager of the country, I’m sorry.”