Stan Collymore noticed something about one Manchester City player at Euro 2024 which concerned him.
It has been a good start to the tournament for Manchester City players so far, with six players picking up wins in their first appearances at the tournament.
Manuel Akanji was part of a 3-1 win for Switzerland against Hungary. Then, Rodri was a 3-0 winner with Spain against Croatia.
Nathan Ake shone for the Netherlands in their 2-1 win over Poland, and then England’s trio of John Stones, Kyle Walker and Phil Foden were 1-0 victors against Serbia.
England’s win over Serbia was far from comfortable. After a decent start to the game, the Three Lions struggled and some solid defending was required in the second-half.
It wasn’t the best of outings for Foden, who has come in for criticism from some fans for lacking influence – and Stan Collymore noticed something which concerned him.
Stan Collymore suggests Jude Bellingham impacts Phil Foden negatively for England
Foden started out of the left for England against Serbia, with Bellingham operating in the middle.
There has been a lot of clamour for Foden to be the central player for England after his stunning season for City, which culminated in him winning several individual awards.
But Gareth Southgate went with Bellingham in the middle, with Foden having had experience of playing out wide.
But he struggled to get into the game, and was at times wasteful on the ball.
Fans have criticised his performance, and Collymore took to X during last night’s game to express his feelings. For him, Foden and also Harry Kane suffer as a result of Bellingham’s role.
He said: “Bellingham demanding the ball every time and everywhere is fantastic to see.
“Slight concern that it seems to limit Foden to a bit part and part of Kane’s M.O. (dropping off) redundant.
“Really want all 3 dovetailing and sharing things out because we’ll need all three at their very best sometime.”
After the game,Cesc Fabregas insisted that Foden must try and impose himself for England in the way that Bellginham does.
Southgate must solve Foden problem ASAP
England may have won last night but a lot of the talk since the game has been about Foden and the way he struggled to impose himself from the left side.
It seems like him playing in the middle from the start isn’t going to happen due to how good Bellingham is there. Perhaps there is potential for him to play as an eight alongside Bellingham, with Declan Rice holding on his own. But last night we saw Southgate start with Trent Alexander-Arnold next to Rice, meaning no room for Foden.
We know Foden can play left wing for City. But he does not seem as effective there for England, so it’s an issue for Southgate.
The manager has some thinking to do. Perhaps Foden should get one more chance to play on the left against Denmark. If it doesn’t work again then Southgate may have to think about another option, with Foden to come on as a substitute.