‘Shocking from Southgate!’, ‘Very disrespectful’ – Michael Owen, Neville leads criticism on social media into Foden’s omission  in England’s goalless draw with the United States

Michael Owen, Gary Neville has led criticism into why Phil Foden was not brought on in England’s goalless draw with the United States.

Foden has not been selected in England’s starting line-up for each of their opening two World Cup matches. The Manchester City playmaker had to wait until the 70th minute until he was introduced as England demolished Iran 6-2 in their opening match of the tournament.

The 22-year-old replaced Mason Mount in the opening group game, but the Chelsea star was once again preferred from the start in Friday night’s clash against the USA. Furthermore, Foden was not among the first substitutes brought on as England laboured against their opponents – with Jack Grealish and Jordan Henderson the first substitutes to be introduced.

Social media was left baffled as to why Phil Foden didn’t feature in England’s draw with the USA

Former England international Owen tweeted: ‘Astonished that we’ve used 14 players so far yet our most talented player is still sat on the bench.’

Foden’s exclusion from the England side has also been criticised by Gary Neville, who highlighted that Foden was the squad’s most talented player and that he could not understand why he was not being included in Southgate’ side.

“I know Phil Foden isn’t playing but for Phil Foden not to be playing for England is a real shame because he’s a massive talent,” Neville said at the half-time break on ITV Sport. “I think he’s our best player, our best talent by a mile. He should be playing in that team.”

A number of social media users voiced their frustration at the decision to start Chelsea star Mason Mount over Foden. 

“Mount over Foden is a war crime at this point”
Credit: @OliverBerisford

“What a huge mistake by Southgate”
Credit: @maeboshomane

“What’s Phil foden done to upset Southgate! Shambles”
Credit: @liamr_nufc

“No Foden is shocking from Southgate! How do we have such a clueless manager in charge life’s not fair”
Credit: @erikslads

“It’s actually so disrespectful how Southgate treats their best player like Arsenal Ozil”
Credit: @veil_vii

“England doesn’t deserve Foden”
Credit: @00_miski

“Foden deserves better”
Credit: @MCFC_JO

“Honestly, We shouldn’t even sent our player on international duty. This is very disrespectful to our players. Foden shouldn’t be on the bench. He should be the first name on the teamsheet. This is disgusting and i hope pep talks about this in interviews.”
Credit: @PepDegree