- Phil Foden has made a subtle dig at former England manager Gareth Southgate
- The 24-year-old star expressed his frustration over his positioning at the Euros
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Manchester City star Phil Foden has made a subtle dig at former England manager Gareth Southgate, expressing frustration over his positioning at the Euros.
Foden, who played primarily on the left wing for England, believes he was not utilised effectively and struggled to replicate his club form on the international stage.
‘I feel frustrated I didn’t get out what I wanted to,’ Foden told the Manchester Evening News. ‘The position I was put in on the left was very difficult to influence the game.
‘Coming off last season—being the best player in the Premier League and playing centre midfield—I do feel the position was quite difficult to get used to.’
The 24-year-old Manchester City star emphasised his adaptability but suggested that England never truly clicked at the tournament.
‘I’m one who can play multiple positions and I had to try to deal with it the best I could. I don’t feel like England ever got going or performed to our potential.’
Manchester City star Phil Foden has made a subtle dig at former England manager Gareth Southgate , expressing frustration over his positioning at the Euros
Foden, who played primarily on the left wing for England, believes he was not utilised effectively and struggled to replicate his club form on the international stage
Beyond his England frustrations, Foden also addressed Manchester City’s uncharacteristic struggles this season.
Currently fourth in the Premier League table, City have not dominated as they usually do under Pep Guardiola. Despite this, Foden remains optimistic about their future.
‘Even though it’s been a challenging season, we’ve still got things to look forward to,’ he said. ‘Because we’re having a bit of a blip, we can’t lose belief in that.
‘I still believe we can do good things and come back from this. I want to try to show I’m a leader by turning up in big moments and helping the team when I can.’
Foden outlined City’s priorities for the remainder of the season, acknowledging the importance of securing Champions League football while aiming for silverware.
‘We need to look at finishing at least top four in the Premier League—aiming to win the Champions League and the FA Cup as well.’
The 24-year-old also opened up about feeling mentally and physically drained at the start of the 2024-2025 campaign.
Having played a crucial role in City’s treble-winning season, Foden admitted he struggled to return at full intensity.
Beyond his England frustrations, Foden also addressed Manchester City’s uncharacteristic struggles this season
Currently fourth in the Premier League table, City have not dominated as they usually do under Pep Guardiola. Despite this, Foden remains optimistic about their future
‘For me, football is played with the brain, and when the brain is mentally fatigued you’re not going to see a player for who he is,’ he explained.
‘I’m normally itching to get back, but when I came back, my body and my mental state were low.
‘I’ve been playing since the age of five, pushing myself every day to be the best I can. When you add up all the games and all the traveling, it is a lot for the body.’
Foden described how fatigue led to minor injuries and frustration in training, contributing to a slow start.
‘I wasn’t feeling 100 per cent when I was training, and there were a few niggles. There were times when I was getting frustrated. My body didn’t feel how I was used to, and it’s something I’ve had to deal with.’
