England forward Phil Foden has admitted to things ‘not working’ for the Three Lions in the UEFA Euro 2024. Before the tournament began, the Gareth Southgate-coached were widely deemed as the favourites to lift the trophy.
However, the team has struggled with consistency in the tournament, winning their matches narrowly. Addressing the team’s struggles, the Manchester City attacker opined that it wasn’t all the manager’s fault and the players must also share the blame.
“The players have got to take some of the blame. There has to be some leaders to get together and find a solution to why it is not working. There is only so much the manager can do.”
Foden also talked about how a manager can only help the team set up a system and the rest boils down to the players’ performances.
“There is only so much the manager can do. He sets you up in a system and tells you how to press. If it is not going like that you have to, you never decide when a person is going to drop deep, as well. Maybe change the formation you are not used to,” Foden added.
After being questioned about the pressure that was on the England coach going into Saturday’s quarter-final against Switzerland, the Manchester City forward said, “I feel sorry for Gareth.”
In the interview, Foden also touched on how Southgate has constantly told them how they should keep pressing their opponents and be more attacking on the pitch.
“In training, he has been telling us to press and be high up on the pitch and I feel like sometimes, it has to come from the players,” Foden concluded.
England’s recent string of poor performances at the Euros had landed the team’s boss Southgate in hot waters. Apart from the criticism by media and fans, Southgate was recently booed after the team drew their final Group match with Slovenia. In their Round of 16 tie against Slovakia, several fans left and missed the dramatic late fightback for a place in the quarterfinals.
England conceded a goal in only the 25th minute of their clash against Slovakia on June 30. They trailed for the rest of the game at the Veltins-Arena before Jude Bellingham came to the team’s rescue with a stunning overhead kick in the 95th minute. Having secured the draw, England striker Harry Kane netted a sublime finish towards the beginning of extra time to win the game.
The Three Lions’ match against Switzerland will take place at the Merkur Spiel Arena on July 6.
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