Frank Leboeuf has claimed that he intends to see one Manchester City stalwart at his best for England in their opening game of Euro 2024 against Serbia.
All eyes will be on Gareth Southgate’s side to ascertain whether his team look like they can go a step further and win the tournament this time around.
For that to be the case, big names like Kyle Walker, John Stones and Phil Foden will have to deliver for England. Serbia do not enter this contest in the best possible form — winning and losing two games apiece and drawing one out of their last five outings.
Frank Leboeuf makes Phil Foden admission ahead of England facing Serbia
Much like Germany and Spain did during their wins against Scotland and Croatia respectively, the Three Lions will also intend to put in a statement display.
One game will not be sufficient evidence to decide whether the English are champion-material but it will be enough to spread an optimistic feeling amongst their fanbase.
As England prepare to face Serbia at the Veltins-Arena, Frank Leboeuf has admitted that he wants to see Foden at his best.
The pundit said via ESPN UK: “I want to see it, I want to see it because he’s a real talent and he has proven during the season that he’s one of the top players at this position in the world so I’m very looking forward to seeing him at his best.”
Leboeuf added on the Manchester City talisman: “The problem is, how are you going to balance the squad? That’s the most concerning for me. Four up front can deal and if [Phil] Foden is in the right positioning, it can be very, very good but who are you going to put behind Trent Alexander-Arnold or [Conor] Gallagher?”
“You have to [be] secure defensively, you know that TAA [Trent Alexander-Arnold] can give good passes, especially to Foden or the other three, so it’s going to be very tricky for [Gareth] Southgate to balance his squad.”
Phil Foden will generate discourse regardless of how he plays
Much like how creative players Jamal Musiala and Florian Wirtz looked at their brilliant best against Scotland, Frank Leboeuf will be hoping the same from Foden as England play Serbia.
If the £225,000-a-week man delivers, the masses will perhaps believe that he has cemented his position as the team’s left-winger, if Southgate plays him where Rooney expects him to.
In case Foden does not look as impactful out wide on Sunday night, questions will be raised about why he has not been deployed centrally.
If the Englishman is given a chance to drift in centrally and he registers a goal or an assist, debates will likely ensure regarding whether he should play as the team’s number 10 or Jude Bellingham.
Questions marks could emerge from certain fans and pundits about Foden’s place in the side if he does not perform against Serbia — considering the popular notion is he has yet to light up proceedings for England.