Steve McManaman has made a claim about one Manchester City ahead of England’s upcoming semi-final against the Netherlands at Euro 2024.
Rodri will be City’s one and only representative in the first semi-final between Spain and France.
The Manchester City midfielder has had a tournament to be proud of — with Aitor Karanka claiming that Rodri has been “amazing” at the European Championship and is one of his nation’s two key players.
The 28-year-old is expected to keep his place in Spain’s starting XI against France — as it seems like he is the first name on Luis de la Fuente’s team sheet.
Steve McManaman makes Phil Foden claim ahead of England vs Netherlands
When England and the Netherlands lock horns on Wednesday, Kyle Walker, John Stones and Phil Foden will be reunited with Nathan Ake.
On paper, Gareth Southgate’s side are the favourites to go through to the final.
But in their last two wins against Romania and Turkey, Ronald Koeman’s side have looked far more convincing than the Three Lions.
Steve McManaman has now stated that alongside Harry Kane, Foden must raise his game for England against an in-form Netherlands side.
The pundit said via ESPN UK: “I think the captain needs to step up, Harry Kane, I think we’ve mentioned it before, Phil Foden needs to step up and I’m only saying this because of the seasons they just come out of.”
“Amazing for Bayern Munich but we haven’t seen anything of that form in the Euros, Phil Foden, the same.”
Phil Foden should play his natural game in the Euro 2024 semi-final
In England’s latest win against Switzerland, while there were promising signs about the £225,000-a-week man’s display in midfield, he looked tentative at times.
As a part of a structured tactical environment at Manchester City, Foden’s measured approach at times is the right fit in a side that has other difference-makers like Kevin De Bruyne, Erling Haaland and Jeremy Doku.
But international football is not as tactically-oriented as club football.
With that being the case, Foden should be advised to play his natural game against the Dutch as the England side are not as in sync and free-flowing as City.
Whether that means that the silky technician will lose the ball cheaply at times or take risks that do not come off; the more dynamic and fearless the 24-year-old is, the likelier he is to make a difference.
Knockout football demands players to produce moments of magic, especially when games are cagey.
Foden should embrace the individual genius that he brings to the pitch and unleash himself onto Koeman’s side.
If he does that, Steve McManaman’s wish could be fulfilled and England could be dead-set to reach the final of the competition.
