David Moyes has rushed to one Manchester City player’s defence after his performance at Euro 2024 was widely slated.
A bi-product of international football that often goes under the radar is how much pressure there is on players to perform.
When players do rise to the occasion, they are championed but when they fail to, they are often scapegoated, perhaps due to being their country’s standout name.
While England beat Serbia 1-0 on Sunday, Kyle Walker, John Stones and Phil Foden would have observed how the consensus around the game remains one of dissatisfaction.
David Moyes has honest say on Phil Foden after England beat Serbia
The Three Lions were far from convincing during the contest and perhaps on another night, they would have drawn or potentially even lost the game.
Foden was far from his best as well — earning a three out of 10 rating from Gabby Agbonlahor.
Jamie O’Hara had claimed that the Stockport-born midfielder tends not to impact games in an England shirt.
When quizzed about how he would utilise Foden for England and whether he did enough to convince Gareth Southgate to keep him in the side, David Moyes rushed to the 24-year-old’s defence.
On talkSPORT, he said: “I think you are talking about, was it the [Football] Writers’ Player of the Year in England, you might be talking about. One of the biggest nominees for the Footballer of the Year in England, I think it’s ridiculous that you’re even talking about it to be honest.”
David Moyes went on to state that just like any player, Foden simply had an off night against Serbia.
“I think Phil Foden is a star, a huge, huge player. Maybe [he] didn’t quite reach his best performance, maybe last night. But overall, what a great player and that’s what I’m saying, players are allowed to play badly, it happens sometimes, they can’t always play well.”
Moyes added: “So, if all the supporters are saying they didn’t play well, you’d be chopping and changing your team every week. Sometimes, you’re trying to get a bit of consistency but I do understand it when England have [Anthony] Gordon and you have [Eberechi] Eze and you have Cole Palmer and Jarrod Bowen, there’s so much competition for places.”
“But let me tell you, Phil Foden’s a terrific player and has been one of the most outstanding players in the Premier League this season.”
David Moyes has hit the nail on the head about Phil Foden
Unlike several fans and pundits alike, David Moyes has not let one poor display from Foden question whether he belongs in this England team.
Manchester City’s number 47, like every player in the history of the game had a game where he was not at his brilliant best — a point Moyes emphasised while defending him.
From England’s perspective, Gareth Southgate’s priority should be to try to get the best out of the six-time Premier League winner — assessing why that was not the case against Serbia.