The Manchester City star was deployed on the left during Euro 2024 as Southgate sought to best accommodate England’s attacking riches. Phil Foden has blamed Gareth Southgate for his disappointing showings at Euro 2024, admitting that he struggled to adjust to a new position in an England football shirt.
![[Phil Foden is beginning to recapture his best form]](https://static.independent.co.uk/2025/01/18/09/e2d28d89b7b462aca79ec6524b87ef14Y29udGVudHNlYXJjaGFwaSwxNzM3MjI5NjUx-2.78689297.jpg)
Foden was shifted out of his preferred spot in the forward line as Southgate sought to best use deep attacking resources at the tournament. While England reached the final of the tournament in Germany, suffering a narrow defeat to Spain, their approach attracted criticism. Foden struggled to produce the sort of form that had seen him named Premier League Player of the Season as Manchester City secured another title.
The 24-year-old had scored 27 times in all competitions during the 2023-24 campaign yet failed to register at what proved to be Southgate’s final tournament in charge. And Foden feels that both he and England did not fulfil their potential. “Coming off last season being the best player in the Premier League and playing centre midfield, I do feel the position was quite difficult to get used to.
“I’m one who can play multiple positions and had to try to deal with it the best I could. I don’t feel like England ever got going or performed to our potential.”. Foden has struggled to replicate last season’s form in a lean campaign so far both personally and as a collective for Manchester City.
