Joe Hart has made an intriguing observation about Phil Foden as England drew 0-0 to Slovenia.
Foden did not have his best game to say the least — rotating between the left-wing and the attacking midfield position throughout the contest before being hooked off for the second game in a row by Gareth Southgate.
Coming into the tournament, Alan Shearer predicted the 24-year-old to emerge as the best player at the European Championship.
The expectations when it came to the £225,000-a-week man were sky-high, considering he was one of the best attackers in the world during the 2023/2024 season.
Joe Hart makes fresh observation about Phil Foden after England draw to Slovenia
However, the same can be same about Jude Bellingham.
Especially after the 20-year-old’s virtuosic display for the Three Lions against Serbia, it seemed like he was ready to make Euro 2024 his tournament.
But that has not panned out, with Bellingham putting in underwhelming showings in successive outings against Denmark and Slovenia.
Joe Hart told BBC Sport on Tuesday night that the England players do not seem like they are on the same page as Foden on the pitch.
Hart said: “It all felt a little clunky from England, especially down the left hand side. Jude Bellingham has been coming across and into that left back position in the final third, to combine with Phil Foden, but that leaves Kieran Trippier unsure of when to go, when not to go. You can see [Phil] Foden is trying to make an impact but no one seems to be on his wavelength.”
Phil Foden seems like he is a step ahead of his England teammates
It is tough to disagree with Joe Hart, especially after witnessing how Foden fared for England in their disappointing result against Slovenia.
On several occasions, the 24-year-old seemed visibly puzzled as to why his teammates were not playing certain passes — whether it came to breaking the lines or finding him in acres of space.
Foden has come across like a forlorn figure throughout the tournament, as at Manchester City, his teammates are completely in sync with his and each other’s movements.
The Stockport-born midfielder is often caught gesturing to his teammates on where to pass the ball.
So much so that against Slovenia, Foden dropped right next to Declan Rice to get the team upping the tempo of the game and exacting more control on the pitch.
The clash of playing styles and ideas seem to be occurring on the pitch for Gareth Southgate’s side, which has been to England’s detriment.