Alan Shearer believes England manager Gareth Southgate could have a big dilemma on his hands regarding who to play as a number 10 – Manchester City ace Phil Foden, or Real Madrid star Jude Bellingham.
Foden has been in majestic form recently for City, playing most of the time in a central role.
Before the returns of Kevin De Bruyne and Erling Haaland, Foden had been shining for City, linking up brilliantly with Julian Alvarez who was leading the line.
Foden has admitted he would like to continue playing in the middle and so far since De Bruyne’s return, Pep Guardiola has largely kept him central.
Foden as a number 10 is something City fans are really enjoying – but Alan Shearer reckons he could become something of a dilemma for Gareth Southgate…
Alan Shearer says Phil Foden and Jude Bellingham may cause Gareth Southgate a dilemma
Over the past few months, Foden has been one of the best players in the Premier League.
He has really taken responsibility while key players have been out, and looks absolutely tremendous in that central role, with his special half-turn ability.
It is little wonder, then, that people would like to see him playing in the same role for the national team.
But Shearer believes it is not so straightforward, with Jude Bellingham – a player Foden has huge respect for – having been sensational in the same position for Real Madrid. He said on the latest Rest Is Football podcast: “He might have a dilemma you know Gareth, how to get the best out of him and Foden in the same team. They’re both in the 10 role. So exciting for England, superb.”
Foden and Bellingham must both be England starters
Foden and Bellingham – who signed for Real for an initial £88.5 million – have both been outstanding as number 10s this season and Southgate has a lot of thinking to do ahead of the Euros.
One thing is for sure though, both of these players need to starters.
Thankfully for Southgate, both of these young talents are very versatile. Foden can obviously play out wide, while Bellingham can play as a number eight or even as a holding midfielder.
It hasn’t quite happened yet for Foden at international level but hopefully, this is the year he finally lands for the Three Lions.
