Phil Jagielka has named his England starting XI for the upcoming European Championship – but Phil Foden isn’t in it.
England will compete in this summer’s Euro 2024 in Germany and are favourites to win the tournament ahead of France and the hosts.
Gareth Southgate has a wealth of talent at his disposal, especially in attacking areas, with Manchester City star Phil Foden one of the country’s most in-form players.
Yet, former Everton defender Phil Jagielka has explained why he wouldn’t start him in his England side.
Phil Jagielka doesn’t pick Phil Foden in his England side
Speaking on TalkSPORT, Jagielka named his England starting XI, he said: “I think you put Jordan Pickford in goal. He’s never let England down.
“Obviously, I pick Harry [Maguire] and I pick John [Stones], I do. I pick them both because it’s proven. Right-back, Kyle [Walker]. Left-back, probably [Luke] Shaw.”
It was presumed Harry Kane and Bukayo Saka made up 2/3s of his front three and when then asked who he would pick on the left out of Foden, Jack Grealish or Marcus Rashford, Jagielka said: “I am going Rashford.”
Declan Rice, Jude Bellingham and Trent Alexander-Arnold were then named in midfield, at which point, retired striker Darren Bent cut in and said: “He is leaving Foden out!”
Jagielka continued: “I’m not! But first game of the tournament, my own personal experience, you don’t lose the first game of the tournament.
“Trust me. It is not a very nice place to be. When you’re in Brazil and you’ve been beaten and you’re chasing it for the rest of the tournament.
“So for me, I’d go a bit negative, I’d have Rashford or Foden off the left hand and Trent [in midfield].”
Phil Foden must start for England
The thought of Foden not starting for England is absolutely terrifying. Both Foden and Pep Guardiola agree he is playing the best football of his career this season and that can’t be squandered.
The Three Lions do have a very real chance of finally ending their decades-long wait for a trophy but Southgate must utilise the incredible talent he has.
Jagielka’s caution, especially in the opening game, is fair but Foden isn’t the risk in that regard.
Whether in midfield or on the left, he is a tireless presser and great at keeping the ball, both of which would make England more solid.
If anything, the player you want to start on the left if you do want to be careful is Grealish as he is so great at helping a team control the tempo and retain possession.
But Foden must be in the team as well. Without a doubt.
