England boss Gareth Southgate ‘could play Phil Foden at left-back’ in World Cup vs Wales | Football | Sport
England boss Gareth Southgate has been told to unleash Phil Foden in the Three Lions final World Cup group stage match against Wales, and Gabby Agbonlahor reckons he even “would do a good job” in an unorthodox role at left-back. The head coach had questions raised when he opted against bringing the Manchester City man off the bench as his side drew 0-0 with the USA on Friday.
The majority of the post-match talking points revolved around Foden, and how despite being a key member of Pep Guardiola’s side, has played just 19 minutes in Qatar. Former Aston Villa striker Agbonlahor hopes to see Foden against Wales, and tipped Southgate to pair him with Jack Grealish.
“Phil Foden could play anywhere,” Agbonlahor told talkSPORT. “You could play him at left-back if you wanted to, or right-back and he would do a good job of it. He is that talented, you have seen it at Manchester City, he might play on the left or on the right but he moves around like all players do.
“He has got that rotation in him. Bring him on [vs USA], you could have had [Jordan] Henderson and [Declan] Rice sitting, and Foden come on for [Mason] Mount. So next game against Wales, I just feel Southgate has got to unleash Phil Foden, ‘Go on, this is your chance’. Jack Grealish, Phil Foden, go out there. I would play both of them. I would play Jack off the left and Phil Foden off the right.”
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