Jeff Stelling has claimed that one Manchester City player should not start for England at Euro 2024.
It seems likely that all of John Stones, Kyle Walker and Phil Foden will start for Gareth Southgate’s side.
Stones has been England’s best centre-back for a few years and with Maguire ruled out of the competition through injury, his importance in Germany has even increased further.
Jeff Stelling says City star should not start for England at Euro 2024
According to Darren Bent, Kyle Walker is England’s most important player, considering how he can keep the best wingers in the world quiet as well as his versatility.
Phil Foden won the Premier League Player of the Season award and is one of his nation’s biggest difference-makers in attack.
But Jeff Stelling claimed on talkSPORT that he would not start Phil Foden in his front three for England at Euro 2024.
Stelling said: “My front three is going to be a bit controversial. I am going to pick [Cole] Palmer just ahead of Bukayo Saka. Saka has had a bit of a knock, not quite back to 100% I think, Palmer showed enough against Iceland. Palmer, [Harry] Kane and Anthony Gordon, who I thought was our biggest threat for the most part of the night.”
“He has been in brilliant form and everybody is going to batter me because there is no Phil Foden. But Foden, four goals in 34 games for England. I think Gareth Southgate and his staff are scratching their heads as to how to get the best out of Phil Foden for England.”
Phil Foden should not play in a front three at the Euros
In our view, it is surprising to hear Jeff Stelling even view Phil Foden as a forward option for England at Euro 2024.
Considering the £225,000-a-week man has had an outstanding season in central areas, surely he should just be considered an attacking midfielder for the Three Lions.
In games against the likes of Liverpool and Arsenal last season, Foden was deployed as a winger and he had quiet outings, playing out of position.
Furthermore, as Jeff Stelling pinpointed, unlike Phil Foden, Cole Palmer and Anthony Gordon are natural wingers and they could start out wide for England at Euro 2024. The same can be said about Bukayo Saka.
Foden has showcased that he is an attacking midfielder who he has the quality to emerge as the Premier League’s standout performer.
Yet, the Stockport-born attacker still seems to be viewed as a wide forward by many.