Anton Ferdinand has slammed Gareth Southgate after his recent comments about Manchester City attacker Phil Foden.
As quoted by the Telegraph, the 53-year-old mentioned that the treble-winner did not regularly play in midfield for City which was a key reason why he was not deployed in his natural position at international level.
Speaking on FIVE’s official YouTube channel, Anton Ferdinand was critical of Gareth Southgate for his assessment on Phil Foden and his role for England.
Anton Ferdinand blasts Gareth Southgate over Phil Foden comments
Branded as ‘unreal’ by Rio Ferdinand, the 23-year-old has been playing in a more central role this season in Kevin De Bruyne’s absence and he has thrived.
While on paper, Foden starts on the right-wing, Walker is positioned out wide to enable the former to drift inside and do what he does best.
As Gareth Southgate seemed dismissive about the prospect of Phil Foden playing in midfield for England, Anton Ferdinand was miffed with his comments.
“And the comments about Foden…not playing in central midfield, he doesn’t play there for his club. Does he not realise he’s got the best, one of the best ever to play in the Premier League in Kevin De Bruyne in front of him?”
“Foden is a magician. He can do all sorts. He’s that guy. But how will we know if he doesn’t play him there?”, Ferdinand pointed out.
Phil Foden should walk into the England team
Anton Ferdinand has hit the nail on the head as Phil Foden has not only had competition from Kevin De Bruyne but other midfield stalwarts like David Silva, Ilkay Gundogan and Bernardo Silva over the years, which should be acknowledged by Gareth Southgate.
However, the level of competition in the middle of the park is not at the same level as City and as a result, to compare both situations would be egregious.
Apart from Jude Bellingham, the Three Lions lack a creative midfielder and as brilliant as he is, Phil Foden is far more technically secure and comfortable across different phases.
Foden would instantly allow his nation to control games much better whilst being a menace in the final third; the kind of profile the English have not had for years on end, which makes Southgate’s comments all the more mystifying.
