Phil Foden has a “big part” to play in England’s World Cup campaign despite limited game time, according to manager Gareth Southgate.
The Manchester City star came on for the last 20 minutes in the 6-2 victory over Iran, while he then failed to play a single second in England’s uninspiring scoreless draw with the United States.
This is despite the fact he arrived in Qatar as one of England’s most in-form players with seven goals in 14 Premier League appearances this season.
“We love Phil, he’s a super player,” said Southgate, who subbed on Jack Grealish and Marcus Rashford instead of Foden during the draw against USA.
“He’s going to play a big part in this tournament for us.”
Southgate believes one of his biggest strengths is Foden’s ability to play across various positions on the pitch.
“There are different possibilities,” he added. “He can play on either flank and can play as a false nine if we chose to do that.
“He can play off a striker, although he doesn’t do that as much at club level so that’s maybe applicable to certain games or certain moments.
“He’s a very flexible player in terms of the attributes he has and where he can have an impact. He’s a goal threat, which is also very important.”
England’s next fixture is neighbours Wales but Southgate has dismissed any suggestion the geography adds more pressure to the encounter.
“None more than normal,” he said. “We recognise this is a game with a lot of focus because it’s a local derby, but we’re England – everyone wants to beat us.
“There are high expectations every time we’re on the pitch. We’ve got to focus on playing as well as we can while showing that composure and ruthlessness that’s going to be needed to win.”
The Three Lions will progress to the last 16 unless Wales beat them by a margin of four or more goals, which is why Grealish has urged for calm following their recent draw.
He said: “I think there was a big overreaction [to the USA game]. Apart from Spain, we are the top scorers in the tournament.
“I can’t think off the top of my head if there is anyone who has scored more than six [Spain beat Costa Rica 7-0].
“The other day against Iran we were the best thing since sliced bread, scoring six goals.
“Then we go a game without scoring and I think there was a bit of an overreaction but that’s what you get sometimes playing for England.”
Southgate’s side are currently top of Group B with one game left, ahead of Iran on three points who next play America on two, while Wales sit at the bottom on a singular point.
