Phil Foden, a key figure in England’s Euro 2024 squad, has added to the team’s concerns as he had to abruptly leave their headquarters to deal with an urgent family situation. The 24-year-old Manchester City star, who has played in all three of England’s matches in Germany, may or may not be back with the team by the time they face their last-16 match in Gelsenkirchen on Sunday although there are hopes he will.
Prior to Foden’s departure, manager Gareth Southgate was already feeling the heat to switch up his offensive strategies, as the team’s strikers once again failed to create magic in the match against Slovenia, which ended in an uninspiring 0-0 draw. Though winning Group C, England have only managed to net two goals across three matches.
Southgate’s formation has seen Foden on the left wing, Jude Bellingham in an attacking midfield role, Bukayo Saka on the right and Harry Kane playing centre forward. Voices have been raised to introduce Anthony Gordon and Cole Palmer to the squad, while shifting Foden to a central position, given he remains in the first team.
Foden, who is expecting the arrival of his third child with his partner, earned the title of Football Writers’ Association Footballer of the Year in the previous season, thanks to his impressive record of 24 goals and 10 assists, a key factor in Manchester City securing their fourth straight Premier League title.
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