Redaction Simon Brett with Dan Murphy
Published on 2024-02-24 09:00:00
Former England defender Phil Jagielka has revealed his starting XI for the upcoming European Championship, with a surprising omission of Phil Foden. Despite England being one of the favorites to win Euro 2024, Jagielka believes Foden should not be in the starting lineup.
In an interview with TalkSPORT, Jagielka explained his reasoning behind leaving out the Manchester City star. He opted for Jordan Pickford in goal, Harry Maguire and John Stones in defense, Kyle Walker at right-back, and Luke Shaw at left-back.
When it came to the front three, Jagielka chose Harry Kane, Bukayo Saka, and Marcus Rashford over Foden. In midfield, he selected Declan Rice, Jude Bellingham, and Trent Alexander-Arnold. Jagielka’s cautious approach for the opening game of the tournament led him to believe that Foden should not start.
However, many believe that Foden should be an essential part of the England team. Both the player and his club manager, Pep Guardiola, acknowledge that he is in the best form of his career. Foden’s abilities on and off the ball make him a valuable asset to the squad.
While Jagielka’s concerns about starting cautiously are understandable, Foden’s inclusion would only strengthen England’s chances. His work rate and ball retention skills could provide stability to the team. If there is a need for caution, players like Jack Grealish could offer more control and possession in midfield.
Ultimately, it is clear that Foden should be a part of the England team, whether in midfield or on the left. His contributions could prove vital in England’s quest for their first major tournament win in decades. The decision to leave him out may be cautious, but the benefits of having Foden on the field outweigh the risks.
Read Original article on Manchester City News
