Micah Richards has given his two cents on a massive question ahead of England’s clash against Denmark.
At Manchester City, it seems to be settled that Phil Foden’s best position is as a number 10 but the conundrum is yet to be solved at international level.
Gareth Southgate’s decision not to play the Manchester City technician behind Harry Kane in England’s 1-0 win against Serbia could indicate that he still does not view him as an attacking midfielder.
How Southgate deploys Foden against the Danes could be an insight into where he sees him playing best.
Micah Richards predicts Phil Foden position for England against Denmark
In previous tournaments, the 53-year-old has often steered clear from making far too many changes to his team.
Several managers tend not to at the international level to give their settled team a sense of momentum as each game passes.
As England prepare to face Denmark, Micah Richards predicted on The Rest Is Football podcast that Foden will continue to play on the left-wing for England against Denmark.
“I’m looking at the Phil Foden situation.”
Gary Lineker asked: “Do you think he’ll give him a go at [number] 10 or do you think [Foden will stay at left-wing], I don’t.”
Richards replied: “No, I don’t. He [Jude Bellingham] was the one who took responsibility, he had the personality so you’re probably not going to move him.”
“You know what, he might stay, he might stay with Foden on the left, he might just change Trent [Alexander-Arnold] for a defensive [player], more like a [Conor] Gallagher or [Kobbie] Mainoo because Denmark can hurt you.”
Phil Foden should embrace the position
If Foden is fielded as a left-winger once again for England against Denmark, as Micah Richards has predicted, he should embrace the position.
With City’s number 47 constantly being shifted across the front four throughout his career, he must be accustomed to playing out of position at this point.
The challenge of adapting to a new role remains difficult.
But in fairness, Foden also has the freedom to drift inside, as was the case against Serbia and against Denmark, he would be looking to do damage from his favoured central areas.
Considering the 24-year-old has not been tasked to hug the touchline, he has the freedom to roam into pockets of space in central positions and emerge as a match-winner.
As a result, Foden has every reason to embrace his role heading into England’s upcoming outing.