Manchester City star Phil Foden is set to start for England vs Senegal in the FIFA World Cup last-16.
England will be looking to build on their performance last time out, where Southgate threw Manchester City star Foden into the fold and was richly rewarded.
The 22-year-old attacking midfielder scored the second of three England goals in a convincing win which secured top spot in Group B and sent Wales packing.
Foden only played 19 minutes in England’s first two group games, seeing a late cameo in a 6-2 win over Iran before being left on the bench in a bore-draw with the USA.
Now though, Southgate is keen to harness the two-time Premier League Young Player of the Season’s flair and skill as he looks to book a place in the final eight.
According to Talksport, Foden is set to start for England vs Senegal in the FIFA World Cup last-16.
Wayne Rooney, who played at several major tournaments, insists he would stick with Phil Foden and Marcus Rashford in England’s attack on Sunday.
He said in The Times : “It wouldn’t surprise me if Gareth brought back Sterling or Bukayo Saka, and maybe even both. I think he will leave either Foden or Marcus Rashford out and will be keen to use Sterling because he knows and trusts Raheem more than any of the other wide forwards.
“Me? I would stick with the side that beat Wales and keep Rashford and Foden in. Foden gives you better control and helps you play a lot more and you could see Rashford’s confidence grow after his goals against the Welsh. Confidence is the key with him.”
“We’ve got a different version completely to the player we had in the Euros last summer,” said the England boss. “He’s managed to produce those moments tonight. He could have had a hat-trick with the chance in the first half and the one at the near post towards the end. But it’s great for him and it’s great for us.”
England face Senegal, who won the Africa Cup of Nations earlier this year and finished second to the Netherlands in their group. Rooney added: “African sides are always a lot better technically than people think. They work hard and have a special togetherness, which can make them difficult to beat, and we have seen African teams spring a lot of surprises in this competition.”
