Phil Foden was deployed in a different role than usual during England’s win against Switzerland on penalties after drawing 1-1 during the quarter-final of Euro 2024.
Gareth Southgate decided to play Foden alongside Jude Bellingham in midfield instead of as a left-winger — as a part of a setup that switched between 3-4-2-1 and a 3-3-4 shapes when the Three Lions had possession.
The £225,000-a-week man often played either alongside or either in front of Kobbie Mainoo and Declan Rice for most of the game.
Gary Lineker felt the 24-year-old “came to life” during the contest — playing in his natural attacking midfield position.
Gareth Southgate hails Phil Foden as he feels midfield experiment worked
Unlike in previous games where Foden would often drift into central areas from the left flank, he was allowed to foray into advanced positions on the right-hand side of the pitch.
In the first-half in particular, England played some of the best football they have at the tournament.
The second-half saw the Swiss take control over proceedings — forcing Southgate’s side to retreat deeper as the game progressed.
But as England scored five out of their five spot-kicks while Manuel Akanji failed to do so for Switzerland in what was a 5-3 win during the shootout for Gareth Southgate and Co., the manager praised how Foden fared.
The 53-year-old said after the game via BeanymanSports: “I think Phil [Foden] had one of his best games for us. Looked really free.”
Phil Foden had a mixed outing as England beat Switzerland
As Gareth Southgate rightly stated, Foden had more freedom to play his natural game in an England shirt against Switzerland.
In the first-half, the Manchester City midfielder’s passing from deep areas was impressive as well as his first touch and combination play in tight areas.
All in all, Foden performed well and there were positive signs that his display would go up several notches after the half-time break.
But in the second half, the decorated attacker made some sloppy decisions when handed the ball when trying to create chances or shooting from distance.
Often, Foden was quite safe on the ball as well — choosing to play a simple pass rather than driving with the ball when Switzerland were dropping deeper to contain England.
Overall, the Stockport-born technician had a mixed outing but there were positives to take from display and if he takes more initiative in terms of taking risks against the Netherlands in the semi-final, he could explode into life.
