Why Phil Foden Is To Blame For Awful Form 

Rory has to read a thesaurus for 30 minutes before making a video

Even Mason Mount has played better for England than Foden. He just doesn't turn up

In 35 England appearances, 24 of which have been starts, Foden has scored just four goals

im sorry but theres 0 excuse for foden being as bad as he is for england. I know hes out of position and he isnt gonna be as good as he is for city, but he genuinely couldnt string a pass together against serbia, I cant remember anything good hes done for england ever.

Foden has never been that good for England, but somehow he is constantly excused. Compare that treatment to someone like Trent, who’s actually been decent mostly for England in the chances he’s gotten… spot on from Fabregas to highlight this. Foden is responsible for playing well, and he shouldn’t be held above any criticism.

Cesc Fabregas was an absolute legend and on his day was one of the best midfielders in the world in one of the greatest eras of football

Foden was central against Iceland. Rory you're spot on! Foden kept passing backwards. All he and Kane did was win free kicks

Cesc saying what England fans have been saying for 3 years since the golden boy was displaced by Saka. One stepped up the other didn't. Now it's the same with Bellingham and soon Gordon. It's up to Foden to make it work when will his fanboys realise this.

If Saka had put in the performance of Foden the reaction would be completely different.

Foden simply doesn't play well for England what is Southgate supposed to do build the team around Foden. Foden isn't Messi, Zidane, or R9. He simply doesn’t fit England unlike Bellingham & Saka. Just because he is PFA doesn’t mean he should start. He is trash for England.

Try telling Salah that playing out wide isn't as conducive as being central. That's not really the case nowadays is it, if a wide player wants to get involved they can, it's about how much desire that player has to be involved and make things happen, Foden literally did nothing from out there. In fact he spent more time in field anyway than out wide so the nonsense about him being on the left is ridiculous.

I think Phil is so at home at City, it's difficult for him to adjust to England.

It’s just a chemistry thing. He was getting into the right spaces but Jude wasn’t on the same page with him. Foden at city relies a lot on delivery from players that have built chemistry with him in England he doesn’t have anyone to do that.

If Foden wasn’t English he wouldn’t be so highly rated.

At some point we do have to ask the question, what would Foden look like without Pep and his system to make him look good, and I think England gives us a sneak peak of… not much Brev

Just looking at him compared to a young Rooney in the early 00s is night and day. Foden is a fantastic footballer but he isnt on the same level as Rooney or Gazza. Bigger trophy haul yes but from a talent pov Nope.

That is the difference between being good and being elite. Look how Fabregas explains it, elite players don't need to be told, they just know what they have to do, they know how to impose themselves on the team without compromising the team too much. Foden looks lost in an England shirt which tells me he's a system player unlike Jude who can adapt and evolve in the side. people calling for Foden to play the No.10 role baffles me. There is no need to shoehorn him in to the side, Bellingham is great at 10 and we have wide players who will stay wide so why bring him in to 10. He has done nothing in an England shirt to suggest moving him to 10 will make all the difference to his game.

I never understood this “he’s out of position on the wing” Let me ask, where does he play when De Bruyne is fit? Because I know for a fact KDB isn’t stuck on the wing lmao

Maybe just maybe but Phil Foden is overrated people act like he’s Mbappe, Vinius or even Bellingham, Kane or Rodri. The guy has had one world class half season, no one really mentioned him until around February for being player of the season. While pretty good seasons but never top 5 for City and he’s suddenly better than Wayne Rooney

It seems so ridiculous that we are forcing Phil Foden into the side rather than calling up Rashford or Grealish who can actually help the team rather than waste a squad spot. I hope we don’t make that mistake again

trent is by no means one dimensional that’s not what i’m saying, but not having atleast one pacey forward running in behind limits his game to an extent, the amount of times trent had time in midfield and would look up waiting for foden, saka or kane to make that movement and none of them did was pathetic. Foden and kane don’t have the pace to do this to a top level but saka does, maybe it’s cus sakas been at arsenal all season who have had the slowest build up in the league consistently so he’s patient but trent’s used to diaz, darwin and salah. Saka plays better for england than foden so i’d drop foden for gordon or eze next game just to see if it makes a difference

Kane has a bad game: he’s trash Saka or Rice have a bad game: they’re trash Bellingham doesn’t score or assist: he’s trash Foden plays badly for 3 games: it’s Southgate’s fault 😭😪😅

I'm so happy for you Rory ! You've finally done it and come out ! Your lust over Mr fab-tastic is what we were always waiting for! Well done Rory you little lion ..go get em 🎉

Genuine question, do you think the average and normal person even notice when players when they're not on the ball do things tactically to help their teammates shine better? As in drawing out opposition players, getting into space , making runs, just simply having their presence be a threat so someone else can make the more apparent play such as make the pass or receive the pass to make a turn etc. I've seen some arguments that for players that that we think struggled, that Kane for example was doing this. I'm not technically minded enough to know if this is true, and you could maybe argue that while Foden was iffy with his own passing and positioning, that he just wasn't receiving the passes himself and because Pickford was just hoofing balls up field to the likes of Trent or Bellingham who would likely play it elsewhere, if they even got the ball, which for the majority of the game Serbia did in the second half. But ultimately I think it's just the tactics and how the players don't complement each other. I think more impactful subs should have been made the moment they saw Tripper and Foden struggling to make anything happen on the left, and considering how much pressed we were in the second half, when we did have the ball, we need to have the runners to help with the counter. Kane can't do that without help especially if he's already exhausted.

They should just print the name “Excuses” on that 11 shirt because that’s all he brings

I agree with Fabregas he's got to demand the ball more, but also tactically might be an issue to. He's either got to play on the RW like for Man City or in CM or if he plays LW make sure there's a LB giving more width. In this England team though if Southgate lines it up the same, he might actually need to try & be more direct rather than coming to the ball or taking it to feet. More than anything though it's on Foden to adapt & try to play better.

Micah Richards has made a career out of deflecting critism for poor player performances onto everything but the players themselves. He does it all the time, defending players, blaming managers, particularly whenever they talk about Man United. It shows the difference in mentality between Micah and Cesc and why one of them was far more successful than the other.

foden is pants for england, end of story..

I wonder why Foden and Trent are the most important creative players for their clubs but struggle in this England team, oh yeah its because there's a bozo manager who thinks he knows better than the generational managers who spent years developing those players, just to play them out of position. Either play them in their natural role or leave them on the bench.

England haven’t won a major cup in many years not because of lack of talent but from the excessive amount unnecessary negative energy surrounding the players from the fans . That’s one game = 3 points and all energy focus on Foden’s performance so sad .

Bro said jude dropped a 10/10… this is why England doesn’t deserve to win sht

I love the honesty ive been waiting for this conversation

Bellingham should be playing 8 and Foden 10, Gordon on wing. It literally solves all of our problems ffs

Rare Rory factual video!

0:39 one thing is for sure listening to rory isn't a luxury

Rory, Cesc is great to watch. So are you. Excellent video snd content.

I hope everyone keeps this same energy about Phil when he’s lighting up the tournament in the later stages

Amen Rory. PREACH!!! I wished someone would defend Saka the way Micah Richards defends Foden.

I find the comparisons with Jude kinda dumb, he played as a box to box for dortmund and has that in his locker, they're not the same player profile. Foden is not like that, you wouldn't tell Scholes he needs to come deep get aggressive and start getting in people's faces. I don't think Foden needs to change, I think the tactical approach needs to change.

Foden and Saka have the most important job for England. To not step on Bellingham’s toes and to provide service to Harry Kane. Harry Kane is the England system. And the reason why they were underwhelming is because of the lack of service. Saka has adapted beautifully. Foden has to do the same for the engine to roar. Kane got used to the high level service he was getting at Bayern Munich. Feed him the ball, Jude roams around and does everything else, he runs towards the box and cleans up goals, links up everyone, and provides opportunities for passes to go through like he does for Madrid. If Foden adapts to his new role, Harry Kane becomes more threatening, now the opposition’s scared. Now you’re rolling everyone, now you’re winning the euros

Foden is a system player. He can’t shine without the system. I remember deluded city fans saying he was better than Bellingham a few months ago. Guess what. He’s not ! Great players adapt and find a way to contribute to the team. Foden has gotten many chances with England but has not shown that yet

In Jamaica 🇯🇲 we have a saying when footballer like Phil Foden and Trent Alexander Arnold we say them a big balla that means them is that good Phil Foden is a generational talent gifted player him and Trent Alexander Arnold Trent is going to be the star of this team this tournament mark my word

Can I ask you a question mr expert Rory Jennings why would you not play Foden in his position? He is the player of the season for a reason bellingham IS AN 8 not a 10 that’s why it’s frustrating can count on one hand how many times Foden has started on the left for city this season so how about put Bellingham on the left then and see if he makes an impact

The Bellingham hype is getting out of hand, holy shit. You would never hear Rory say anything close to this if it was Bellingham who had a day off.. then it would have been “Southgate this, Southgate that…”

Foden is out of position ffs!! It’s down to Southgate to give him a chance to be his best! It’s not coincidence the 2 worst England players WERE NOT IN THEIR POSITION!!!!

Micah and Rio were trying to make excuses for Phil. Nah, mate Fab was having none of it. Cesc played in great spanish teams, from starters to the bench. Its ok to bench good players if they dont show up, especially when u have other good players on the bench!

You’re right, it’s 100% Foden’s fault that he has to play in his worst position. It’s his fault that he has to take the burden of being the 1 and only player to play not in his preferred position. It’s all Foden’s fault. Gets moved around like a pawn in everywhere but his PL POTS position so we can make way for the divine god Jude Bellingham who played as an 8 his entire life. But good job though Rory on immediately attacking and bringing down England players 1 match into the tournament 👍🏻

I'm sorry but saying this is the best center midfield performance for England he's seen is just madness🤣🤣🤣

Yet again, Just like CF, you’ve nailed it

A lot of the praise and feedback Foden got last season was for his creativity and filling KDBs boots, from those deeper right positions providing creative forward passes, cutting in on his left foot. So putting him on the LW is silly, its taking away his main skill. If you look at his heat map for City this season, he was only his the left wing to take corners. There is no talk of playing Saka on the LW because it would be silly he wouldn't perform as well, but for Foden its his fault. For me I would play Gordon on the left, he is more likely to stick out wide and run behind the full back, he also works back better than any of our wingers providing better cover for an out of position Trips or an unfit Shaw. It will also help to improve Trent's game as he will always have that option of the cross field ball to a willing Gordon a bit like Kroos had against Scotland all be it the other wing. I wouldnt be against dropping Saka to the bench and starting Foden on the RW, that is where he can cause the most issues for the opposition and when we are playing against the deep lying teams that we are likely to play in this group that creativity is something that shouldnt be over looked, Foden and Walker play week in week out together down that side too giving us instant chemistry. It may be harsh to drop Saka out but I would Argue Foden has had the better season thus far so why not trial it in the next game, Saka off the bench running at a tired defence would be magical.

Bellingham praise is outrageous aside from the goal he was poor

Play saka LB, play gordon on the Lw and Play forden on the RW

Did you eat a thesaurus to produce such hyperbole?

Pep is the best manager in History.he improves everyone, he has taken a veey good player in Foden and made him look like he's the best of the English talent, in reality im not sure he is even top 5.

Bowen on left wing, he’s got drive , goals and he’s left footed. Foden an impact sub in the centre for the last 10/5 minutes.

It's quite simple. Just get the balance right. Foden and Trent and Trippier to a lesser extent as there's no other option, give an imbalance to the team. So play Wharton as he's the only real 6 in the squad and he will set the tone, especially now Hendo's not there. And play Eze instead of Foden as he's fearless and can actually beat a man. The best dribbler in the squad. Gordans not a bad replacement and might be a better option if you want the width and a threat behind, but I'll still play Eze.

Here's an interesting little thought experiment. List all the truly elite players you can think of and then think of how many times you've had to hear: ''he's not playing in his proper position'' in regards to defending those players. I can't think of many personally. My point is this: if you want to be an elite player, one of the best of the best then *you make your place in the team, you own your spot because you are undroppable.* Nobody ''makes space for you'' in their line up because you are already the first name on the team sheet. Nobody has to cry like a baby to defend other superstar level players throughout history for ''not playing in their proper positions'' because those players are of a quality that demands that they start with no questions asked. Is Foden a very good player? Yes. But he's also a luxury player. He's the cherry on top but he's not what makes the dessert great to begin with, imo.

One game and everyone is on his neck.

Bellingham is the issue for England's past two performances, not Foden.

English media loves to make excuses for Foden. But Saka even if he plays good is still criticised. For a non English person it must seem strange.

Fodens best position is in the #10. If Southgate played Jude on the left wing and Foden in the 10 would be having the same conversation???

We've spent my entire life forcing players into a team because 'they have to play' and completely ignoring whether it serves the system or not. We need to break that mould. Either start Gordon and bench foden (bring him on later in the game by all means) or take off trent, move jude back next to rice and play him as a 10. I prefer the former. If we beat Denmark though, I say try something truly radical for the last game. Give Watkins and Palmer a shout, even Bowen. We cant keep on playing 'must play' players based on rep.

Southgate is a politician, not a tactician. Ergo, he will play Foden.

fabregas played as a false nine for one single game and he didnt score or assist. By the logic youre using to bash foden you should also be bashing fabregas for not "adapting" to a different position.

Interesting fact: Kane has 3 outfield goals out of 18 games vs FIFA TOP 10 World rankings.

Yes, blame him

I think JLA gave a good analysis on why maybe he wasnt as bad as everyone says, not saying he played well but he did a lot more than the stats say. Also not saying he shouldnt be dropped, just dont like all the blame being on one player. I do think JLA was a bit too nice tho

For shit sake the guy is an AM playing as a LW maybe Southgate should play Bellingham at LW and see the outcome...stop bashing Foden he is the most talented baller England has had in years

PLAY HIM IN MIDFIELD!!!!! It’s not rocket science ffs

If you win POTY award c’mon at least show something regardless of your position it doesn’t have to be goals and assists all the time but man it is so frustrating watching him play for England… ngl Rashford has done better for England than Foden.

English fans will go to every length to blame every player as opposed to the elephant in the room staring them in the face. It's not a player fault if the idiot manager doesn't know how to deploy a player's talent. A manager's job is to encourage players and set them up to do what they do better, and I'm afraid Southgate isn't that man to do that. I'm not Foden's fan, but he isn't the only one out there who seems lost on what the team is trying to accomplish. In any game of consequence 80% of England players visibly frustrated with the approach on the pitch and they are never on the front foot against anybody. The moment they encounter any average team who can make 2 or 3 passes without turning the ball, they start panicking and retreat into a shell like a minnow nation. Play Foden at the 10 position, move Bellingham to 8 alongside Rice and see what happens. That's what any decent manager worth his paycheck would have experiment with the moment Serbia started to gain a foothold. But Garret ain't your average manager is he ? He would rather sit stoic while his team exhibits all signs of fear and lack of control with no input from him on the touchline or via substitution.

Southgate need to take some risks against Denmark and Slovenia. Give Walker and Saka a rest and play Trent at right-back with Foden or Palmer ahead of him.

On of those players played in his preferred position, the other didn't

WHEN did Alonso play for Barca 😂😂 he was a Madrid player

He needs to step up or sit on the bench. We have defended him when other players have one bad game. They take heat. I can't remember one good game he's had in England team. There are great players on the bench. If they were on the other teams, they would be playing every match.If foden was playing for Barcelona in 2010 and Messi was playing the position foden play well in his national team, he would have to wait 14 years to get that position, and then 14 years come and we find out he isn't good. Saka and Jude can play anywhere. Watching him is like watching the golden generation. They played with no confidence; they wouldn't get into this English team. This generation play with confidence. That's why they got to a final and almost won. The coach wasn't brave to let them attack and get the second and third goal

Man City rival fans are obviously leading this narative, against their own countryman, didn't you guys do this with Scholes? Sad

5:10 what a beautiful team 🥹

Too late now perhaps but I think Southgate should have put Foden alongside Rice, I can see Foden being excellent in a holding role.

Come on Rory. I know you love a hyperbole but saying Jude had the best central midfield performance ever is just dishonest.

I didn’t think fabregas said anything any of us didn’t know tbh. You’re a very strange bloke imo. Also penguin is irons gear

Foden ( system player), Jude ( Ancelloti).

Fabregas was a sub at Barcelona…..was never elite world class….Rory is a clueless muppet

Foden always been in the best team, that's his problem. Bellimgham knoed how to play in a mediocre side and best team.

It is clear that Bellingham is more used to take the initiative and makes decisions for himself at Real Madrid while Foden let's City system do the talk and he's there just to make the final touch or the final pass for a goal , the way he was playing Foden thought he was playing a weekend Premier League game where he could just do a XYZ automated coregraphed pass into the net City type goal

He didn't play well and maybe he will improve over the next few games but lets not pretend we haven't seen him play on the left before and think hmmm thats very disappointing and lackluster and with the season that he just finished when he plays on the right you get that kinda signature long range shot and in the middle you get that plus his ability to navigate in tight spaces. You would never tell Robben go play left wing and forget about your shot that you always cut in and take. Could Foden want it more and be more imposing? YES but the amount of slander and criticism after a single bad performance just makes no sense and makes it seem like people were just sat waiting for this to happen to attack him.

Rory’s hyperbole with everything he says is nauseating to say the least. Everything is amazing or exquisite. Calm down bro

We need to calm down about Bellingham. He played well. This "best midfield performance ever for England" nonsense is, well, nonsense! It wasn't even Bellingham's best performance for England!

England don’t have good players or good pundits.

One of Rory's better videos.

Foden is way better than Gordon but Gordon needs to start over him in this system at LW

If Rashford can be dropoed from England, then so can ghost Foden😏

Everyone just ignoring the fact Kane touched the ball about 3 times and spent all game walking about because hes a fan favorite

Play him where he actually plays, and maybe, just maybe, he will play well😧

Who is to say foden is not a better no 10 than jude bellingham , to be honest bellingham is not half the player foden is bellingham in his whole life never made those key passes like foden i think everyone needs to stfu let him play there once atleast

Rare Rory W

the only way to play foden in CAM is to drop walker and put Trent at right back.

You need to give you OED a visit

I swear Rory looked 15 years old just last year.

Someone please confiscate his mic or camera or both.

Rory is a 🤡